Freedom. Such a simple word, yet one so often overlooked and taken for granted. For the countless men and women who have given up their lives so that we may enjoy peace, prosperity, and freedom in this wonderful country of ours, I thank and honour you. It is so easy to become complacent and lose sight of how very lucky we are today, but sacrifices were made, and I for one, feel a huge debt of obligation…and complete appreciation.
In 1915, Canadian military doctor and artillery commander, Major John McCrae, was asked to conduct the burial service for his fallen comrade and friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, and soon after this event, he composed this poem that has come to symbolize what it means to go to war, and fight for what you believe in. Read it aloud with pride, and always remember.
In Flanders Fields
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.
– by Major John McCrae, May 1915
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