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.
Lt Col John McCrae
Services to commemorate the fallen
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LONDON (Nov 9, 08): Ceremonies have taken place today across Britain (and the Commonwealth) to remember the servicemen and women who lost their lives in all past and current armed conflicts.
This year's events fell just two days before the 90th anniversary of the armistice at the end of World War I.
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"Red Poppy" Day barely retains any significance outside Britain, let alone the Commonwealth, and this trend will probably continue as the final few World War II veterans, who are now in their 80s to 90s, pass gently into the night. I hope that the universal wish for peace will not die with them.