In Flanders Fields

November 12, 2008 3:05 am

“We need to know our past, as to not make the same mistakes again.” Words written at the beginning of my history course in 5th grade. Probably the only thing I agreed with from the entire course! ;)

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.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, 1872-1918
Flanders Fields Museum