In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

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.

Monday is for rememberance of those who paid the ultimate price, but it also gives me a chance to say “thank you” to those who are currently serving, or have ever served.

Thank you Dad, Uncle Jack, Aunt Ruth, Uncle Bill, and Grandpa, for your service. Thank you Paul, Sgt Mom, Timmer, Sgt/Cpl Blondie, Radar, Detailed Recruiter, & Joe (R.I.P.) for serving. Thank you, wounded veterans, for your sacrifice. Thank you, those who gave all, whose names are written on a black wall in DC, on stone columns in towns all over the country, and in the hearts of those who loved them.

I don’t know that I’ve ever known anyone who’s died in the service of our country, but I know that those who have gone before did not die in vain, and that those who serve today stand on the shoulders of giants who look like ordinary people.

My heart is full, and I raise my glass to you, in gratitude, and in salute.

To all of you, past, present and future warriors, SALUD!