Memorial Day, the time for our nation to pay tribute to the members of our armed services who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
This year, I am very honored to have my mother, a military veteran and member of the American Legion Henry L. Danforth, VT Post 53, reading my Memorial Day post from last year along with the poem, In Flanders Field, during my hometown’s Memorial Day activities.
“In Flanders Fields” was written by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae in 1915 after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres during World War I. The poem, and the red poppies it mentions, has become important remembrance symbols throughout the world as nations honor their lost service members.
“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.”
There are numerous opportunities on Memorial Day to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. You can attend one of the many parades or other organized activities occurring in large cities and small towns across our nation. You can visit one of our nation’s 134 national cemeteries, a state veteran’s cemetery or a local cemetery and witness the flags posted at the graves of our veterans. You can pause at 3 p.m. local time for the National Moment of Remembrance, a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. However you choose to do so, I encourage you to include your family so they too can learn about and understand the sacrifices given by so many for our freedom.
For all of us who live free because of your service, we celebrate your memory, we honor your sacrifice, we thank you and we shall never forget.
Bob
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