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
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
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
— 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
