November 11, 2008

Veteran's Day

For this veteran's day, CNN tells us about David DeJonge. His mission: photograph the final survivors of "The War to End All Wars."

There are only 10 known living veterans of World War I.

90 years after the fact, it's amazing that there's any left, but a handful of centenarians hold on. It was their sacrifice that spurred the creation of this National Holiday we call Veteran's Day.

Here is the poem most associated with this day of remembrance;

In Flanders Fields
By: Lt. Col. 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.


No comments:

Post a Comment