Today We Honor Our Veterans

Posted on November 11, 2011 in
It is Veterans Day.  Today we remember those who have served our country, those who have worked tirelessly to protect the freedoms of fellow citizens they’ll never know, those who have returned home to continue making a difference, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

They are our family, our friends and our neighbors.  They are veterans.

Most of us are blessed to have never seen the horrors of combat.  Let’s take a moment today to thank those who have faced the battle on our behalf.

Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, originated with World War I.  From this “war to end all wars” we received one of the most notable pieces of wartime literature in history.  Following is the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD, of the Canadian Army in 1915.  This short poem is often included in Veterans Day ceremonies across our nation as a reminder of the pain thousands of soldiers have felt throughout our country’s history.  Consider the words, remember our soldiers and give thanks for the bountiful blessings we have as Americans.

In Flanders Fields
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD

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.

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