Memorial Day - In Flanders Fields
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Memorial Day is for those American servicemen and women that died in battle.
The Red Poppy and the poem Flanders Fields are know though out north America and much of the world.
This is the history and the poem.
Take a minute to remember those that have fallen in battle.
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In Flanders Fields , one of history’s most famous wartime poems, written in 1915 during the First World War by Canadian officer and surgeon John McCrae . It helped popularize the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
“In Flanders Fields” Illustration for John McCrae's “In Flanders Fields” from a limited-edition book (1921) containing the poem. From In Flanders Fields by John McCrae (W.E. Rudge, New York, 1921)
Ypres
When he volunteered at age 41 for service in the First World War, McCrae wrote to a friend that “I am really rather afraid, but more afraid to stay at home with my conscience.” In April 1915, McCrae and a young friend, Alexis Helmer, joined the 18,000 soldiers of the First Canadian Division in their positions near Ypres, Belgium. The Second Battle of Ypres commenced on 22 April and lasted for six hellish weeks. It was during this battle that the Germans launched the first large-scale poison gas attacks of the war.
A Montréal physician, McCrae served as a major and a surgeon with the Canadian Field Artillery, in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. Ypres was the Force’s first major engagement of the war.
“The general impression in my mind is of a nightmare,” McCrae wrote to his mother, “…And behind it all was the constant background of the sights of the dead, the wounded, the maimed, and a terrible anxiety lest the line should give way.
On 2 May, Alexis Helmer was killed. Because the brigade chaplain was absent, McCrae—as the brigade doctor—conducted the burial service for his friend. Later, at Helmer’s grave, he wrote a few lines of verse that were the beginning of the poem “In Flanders Fields.”
“In Flanders Fields” Published
Before the war, McCrae had written poetry in Canada , and some of his work had been published.
McCrae later sent a finished copy of his war poem to The Spectator magazine in London , where it was rejected. But a journalist who visited the hospital took a copy back to Punch magazine, which printed it—anonymously, without McCrae’s name—on 8 December 1915. Within months it became the most popular poem of the war. Its powerful use of the symbol of the poppies blooming from the churned earth led to the tradition, to this day, of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those killed in service.
“In Flanders Fields” Illustration for John McCrae's “In Flanders Fields” from a limited-edition book (1921) containing the poem. From In Flanders Fields by John McCrae (W.E. Rudge, New York, 1921)
By 1917 “In Flanders Fields” was known throughout the English-speaking world. It was used to further the war effort, to raise money for the troops, and to help recruit American soldiers as the United States mobilized to enter the war. John McCrae became a household name in the US.
Legacy
McCrae’s poem is read by millions in Canada and around the world each Remembrance Day. There have also been various settings to music, among which that of William Hewlett is used during Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa. A history museum in the ancient Cloth Hall in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium, is named after the poem. The special exhibition gallery in the Canadian War Museum is also named for McCrae.
The Poem
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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The first battle in which the Germans used poison gas. The Battle of Ypres.
Remembrance Day (Canada's Memorial Day) is November 11. In Canada most adult Canadians purchase cloth poppies from Legionnaires to wear around that time, and two minutes of silent stillness should be observed by all Canadians at the stroke of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month out of respect for the fallen.
May those of such valor rest in well deserved peace and honor.
Enoch.
Amen.
Dear Friend Luther: As our good friend and Brother Kavika knows, every Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day, as during each week I make it a point to visit the V.A. Hospital System in various semi local places as a Chaplain and fellow former combat veteran.
There are those who will be all the rest of the days of their lives in the V.A. System.
It is important for them, if they have no family, or family is too far to visit that they not be alone, and feeling forgotten or abandoned after all they did for us.
Human contact, reading a newspaper to the blind, watching a ball game with those alone, playing cards, just talking makes all the difference in the world to these brave warriors.
Parades are good. We should honor the memory of the fallen. Dying on a field of honor isn't the worst thing that can happen to a combatant.
It is often far worse to lose the freedom to live life as a contributor, not as a drain on the society whose freedom is the result of hard fought efforts on the part of these valiant people.
After the long harsh northern winters melt away, and pre-summer BBQ opportunities abound on the holiday family time is invaluable. It should occur.
We should all set aside some time to be with those who make what we take for granted possible.
That is only right and fair.
"Don't forget, go visit a vet".
P&AB.
Enoch.
Very well said Dear Brother Enoch. Thank you.
You are a good person person and admirable example Enoch.
Thank you.
Dear Sister Raven Wing: Most welcome.
E.
Dear Friend Dave: Many thanks.
E.
You are a rare human being, rare and priceless.
As a retired disabled military vet, I am usually thanked by people for my service and wished a happy Memorial Day. Finding that somewhat uncomfortable when I am told that, I routinely and calmly thank people for their sentiments but that they should reserve their thanks on Memorial Day to those that gave their last full measure and did not make it home alive. They are the true meaning and reason for Memorial Day
I know that I sound like an old fogey to some people when I discuss the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but it irks me when I hear people say "Happy Memorial Day". This used to be taught in our schools, and even a simple diagram would be enough.
Peace to all those who have fallen.
Memorial Day 2019 - The Old Guard
Hi Jasper,
JR posted an article on this yesterday. It certainly is welcomed on this article as well.
The ''Old Guard''...3rd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army. The 3rd Regiment is the oldest active infantry unit in the U.S. Army. They date back to the 1700's....
I had a fantastic middle school English teacher who had us memorize this poem. I've never forgotten it.
Thank you for posting this, Kavika.
I would like to add the name of a home town local, a young man who gave his life for his country:
Marine CPL. Robert Hendriks, Locust Valley, NY.
His death was very recent - April 2019. Condolences to family, friends, and community.
Thanks for posting the Newsday article. It really shook up this small town. it hits home when it's in your own back yard and everyone knows you.
You're welcome. It seemed to be the best tribute to Cpl. Hendriks.
Yes, it does. When my wife and I took the kids to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, we found the names of classmates from our towns who died in combat.
If any member lost a friend or relative or simply want to honor a specific person please feel free to add their name and anything you would like to say about them.
I'll start.
In honor of PFC Monroe, 101st Airborne. KIA Battle of the Bulge, December 1944.
In honor of Mitchell Red Cloud, 24th Infantry Division. KIA November 5th, 1950 Korea...Medal of Honor recipient
To those who have given their all for the love of their country, its people, and their loved ones, Thank You.
Like those who have gone before you, you will never be forgotten and you will live in our hearts forever.
May the Creator hold you in His loving hands as you take the next steps in your own eternal journey.
nv-wa-do-hi-ya-dv (Peace)
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Hoka Hey
Beautiful video and a fine tribute to all Indians who gave their lives for their country.
A very moving tribute to an American who gave all in service to his country.
Mr. Nona's father died in the war, and never got to see his only son. Mr. Nona has is Father's flag, and feels very proud to have it in his possession.
A salute to an American Hero.....Mr. Nona's dad.
Thank you Chief !!
Sydney Lees, late of Hamilton, Ontario, son of my great-uncle, RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) navigator in a bomber shot down over Europe during WWII, never to return. Lost, but never forgotten by those who loved him.
A salute to Sydney Lees, Canadian hero.
To my father - LTC John . . . . . . . . WWII, Korea, Vietnam. To my nephew Lee Jennings . . . . . . . . Iraq, Afghanistan.
RIP - you are missed, loved and honored.
A salute to LTC John and Lee Jennings. American Hero's.
Stunning RW.
To my father, James Henry Holton WW II.
A salute to James Henry Holton, American hero.
In 10 days it will be the 75th anniversary of D-Day