Thank You Veterans!

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel 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.

 

When I was a child my father would read this poem to me every Veteran's Day.  I remember how sad it made me.  After he read it he would talk to me about the importance of being a soldier and fighting for country and kin.  I was always so proud of my dad. My family is full of veterans.  I have uncles who served, cousins, a son-in-law, a nephew, several good friends, my husband, my dad, my grandfather....yep...my family has always done their duty.  For all of them on this very special day I say "Thank You!"  When I hear the National Anthem, say the Pledge, see the Lost Man Formation flown, hear taps...it brings a tear to my eye....because I know what it represents.  There are no words to express my gratitude and feelings. I am truly proud to be an America.