Seize the day : Remembrance

11th November

Armistice Day (or Veterans Day in the US), as we know, is a time to remember the fallen.

We think about those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and each of us lucky enough to be here today. As the days and years pass, there are fewer and fewer heroes amongst us, who have lived such horrors, to share their stories first hand. It’s so important for us to share those tales of adversity and sacrifice on their behalf, so that future generations are able to learn from history and consider paying their respects to those who have gone before them.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.

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