I am from Canada. And in Canada, November 11th is Remembrance Day. Here in the U.S. it is called Veteran’s Day.

I remember in grade school, every November 11th we had a ceremony to honour veterans. And the highlight of the ceremony was a poem called “In Flander’s Field”. The poem was read followed by a minute of silence. It’s a tradition that I was very fond of and continued even today. I realize that not many people have heard of this poem, so in special honour and gratitude for everyone who has served to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we too often take for granted, I have posted the poem below.

Take the time to read it and when you see a Veteran, stop and thank them for their service.

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

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.