Month of Gratitude

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.

The above poem was written by John McRae, who was a doctor in World War I.  He ended up being asked to conduct a funeral - on the battlefield - because the chaplain was busy elsewhere.  It is believed that that night he began the draft that eventually became this poem.

I think about it every year on Veteran's Day - I am not a believer in war - "proclaim peace, not war" is my mantra. But soldiers who have died defending us deserve our undying respect and honor.  I believe this poem exhorts us to do our best to make sure no one dies in vain.

I am grateful today for those who have given their all - and those who have served and continue to serve to defend and protect us all.