Observing the Day
Today, we honor the men and women who died while serving the U.S. military—originally known as decoration day. The day of remembrance began in the years following the Civil War. A war that claimed many lives and established the country’s first national cemeteries. Now, Americans observe the day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.
Remembering the Fallen
WWI took 8.5 million soldiers on the battlefield. The Great War ravaged the landscape of Western Europe. It was here in the devasted landscape the red poppy would grow. Today, may we reflect on the lives surrendered by meditating on a poem written years ago by John McCrae (John was a brigade surgeon and he writes from a fallen soldier’s perspective).
“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae
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.
