Veteran's Day, 2005

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.

Lt. Col. John McRae, M.D., R.C.A.M.C. (1872 – 1918)

Thanks to all those who have served. May God protect and defend all those now in harm’s way; may He shower His blessings on all those now living; may He receive into His eternal kingdom all those who have passed from this life. And thanks, Blackie. See you in the New Jerusalem.

Update: LaShawn Barber has a major tribute to vets.