In Flanders Field – Memorial Day, 2013

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The lards, 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.

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD

Canadian Army

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D., “In Flanders Field,” Arlington Cemetery

(http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm : accessed 28 May 2012).

These poppies from Flanders Field were a gift from Robert Meyer to his mother. Bob was a World War II veteran who visited Flanders Field in 1941 where he picked these poppies.

His brother, Paul, is a Korean War veteran. He followed his older brother’s lead and sent this Japanese rose home for his mother. Both wartime gifts were obviously appreciated as she preserved they remain preserved in her Bible.

Throughout the generations, our families have been blessed. Sons survived battle and were able to return home safely. My uncle, Richard Dollen, is our only fatality and is the reason why his mother passed out poppies each Memorial Day.

Freedom isn’t free. May God bless those who died in service to our country. May God also bless those who have served, presently serve and those who will serve.

Linda