Tag Archives: Memorial Day

A Memorial Day Poem

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This is the entrance to our neighborhood. I love that we have the flag flying.

In honor of Memorial Day I’m sharing an iconic poem written by a Canadian doctor who served in WWI. A little history of the poem is linked at the end.

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae

1872 –1918

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.

This poem is in the public domain.

John McCrae was born on November 30, 1872. A Canadian doctor and teacher who served in World War I, he is best known for his memorial poem “In Flanders Fields.” He died on January 28, 1918.

“In Flanders Fields” is one of the most iconic and important poems to emerge from World War I. Written by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915, the poem has come to symbolize the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war and has played a significant role in shaping the way the conflict is remembered. Its influence extends beyond literature, becoming a central part of remembrance ceremonies and serving as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the enduring hope for peace. This article explores the significance of “In Flanders Fields,” examining its historical context, literary qualities, cultural impact, and ongoing relevance.
https://www.poemshubs.com/archives/5554

Have a wonderful Memorial Day with your families and friends, and take a moment to remember those who sacrificed for us and freedom.

Memorial Day

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I opened the front door and this boy was on our welcome mat. I ran inside to grab my phone, and we stared at each other in our courtyard. It’s thrilling to see bobcats.

As we’re enjoying a relaxing three-day weekend with friends and family, I wanted to find out how Memorial Day began. This is from the History.com website:

History of Memorial Day

The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.

By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. And some records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations was organized by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

Waterloo—which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

Did you know? Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history

Thank you to all who have served, are serving and especially to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Here are a few views from my week:

Our friends held a 60th birthday pool party for a sister. This is the stunning view from their backyard. Good food, friends and perfect weather! Most of the people at the party were Vets.

My first baby quail of the season plus a bonus bunny.
Bobcat on the courtyard wall.

How are you celebrating Memorial Day?

What family members do you have who served our country?

Be worthy

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US Flag
This is the flag a the entrance to our neighborhood. It was donated by one of the residents.

Memorial Weekend I heard the phrase “Be worthy” repeated several times. It was in response to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. That hit a note with me. Am I worthy?

When my son was in eighth grade, his class traveled to Washington D.C. I was lucky to get one of the chaperone spots. I had never been to D.C. and felt so much emotion visiting the War Memorials and the Arlington Cemetery. If you’ve been there, you’ll understand. If you haven’t been there, you should plan a trip.

I wondered. Am I worthy? I try to be a kind person. I help my neighbors and volunteer in the community. I have for decades. I try to be a parent and wife who is supportive and understanding. I have my shortcomings. But have I done anything worthy of someone sacrificing their life for my freedom?

What do you think the phrase “Be worthy” means? How do you try to be worthy?