Remembering Remembrance Day (aka Armistice or Veterans Day)

Today is November 11th, which means its the anniversary of the day that World War I officially ended (or at least major hostilities did) when an Armistice treaty was signed between the Allies and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. (Or at least that last part is what tradition tells us :).

While here in the US, these days most people know this day only as Veterans Day (for honoring veterans of all wars)...and as a federal holiday, an excuse for many to take a day off of work, I like to also remember the original purpose of marking the end of the Great War and a hope for peace.

So whether or not you are working today (like I myself am) be sure to at least take a moment today to remember our veterans , the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms today, and of course remember Remembrance Day (Armistice Day).


In Flander's Field

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 (1872 - 1918)

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm


And for those of you wondering, Yes, when I 'hear' this poem in my mind, I often think of Linus (from Peanuts) reading it. (from the What have we Learned, Charlie Brown? tv special) ;-) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VtGbJHXTQ8