Saturday, November 10, 2007

in Flanders Fields


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, 1915

i was going to post a pic of our first snow ... but then i realized that tomorrow is remembrance day ... and i did want to post this poem again ... it always comes to mind at this time of year ... i can still say it from memory ...

i don't understand war or violence ... i know that it is necessary to keep freedom from being taken away from us ... i don't think we even realize what the "normal folk" living under dictators or absolute rulers - go through ...

we are blessed and i just want to pause and remember those who gave their ALL ...

11 comments:

Mari said...

Thanks for posting this tribute to all our veterans, who have defended freedom, some with their lives.

Maggie Ann said...

A good tribute for sure. Freedom comes at a high price, but there is no other choice. The sacrifices are beyond the depth of my understanding, or the sorrows. I'm glad there's a bright new eternity for all who trust in Jesus. I see you were just over to leave me a comment....smile. Our paths almost crossed! I've had the best time reading this week. We found some gems at the Good Will Stores & one Salvation Army store. I just posted about my Beverly Cleary book that I love. I'm thinking of you in your library setting of course...smile. Have you ever read Ramona Quimby? a childrens book & books, but just soooo delightful! Same with Muggie Maggie. =) Happy Sunday to you & Leo.

Mimi said...

beautiful tribute to our veterans...
thanks for the post Saija...

Anonymous said...

War has been part of our history, even before Jesus came to earth. I understand why (sin), although the dictators and rulers of this world complicate it more than that. I just wish it wasn't necessary. Much love to you on this day. Thanks for posting this tribute.

(hugs)

Anonymous said...

Just stopping in to check on you and say Hi!! you have snow already? wow

Unknown said...

So many skim over this day so thanks for the tribute to those who have given so much

Catherine said...

Excellent post, Saija! I couldn't have said it better.

Catherine said...

P.S. -- You have snow? We are still in the 80s here! Ugh. Wanna trade? :)

Saija said...

hey guys!

i did a little up-date post just now ... hope you all had a wonderful weekend ... and blessings on this new week that has arrived!

auntibeck said...

And our Veterans Day was yesterday--I will never forget the sacrifices of so many generations before and the brave men and women who are in harms way today, my nephews, my neice, my young friends. Pray constantly and never forget. You are so right in your comments, I feel the same way. I only know in my heart of hearts that freedom isn't free. Liberty is inside of us, and freedom comes at such a cost. The alternative? I shudder to think...
God bless you real good today Saija!!!!

Saija said...

and you too!