We Will Remember

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inRemembrance DayTags:
Canada Remembers
Canada Remembers

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.
John McCrae

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

15 thoughts on “We Will Remember”

  1. I am so thankful he wrote this poem, which is likely the most acclaimed war memorial piece to date. I have read it many times but it never fails to make me think of those men and women who endured such horrific circumstances. I know Remembrance Day has passed but they remain in my heart, including my granddad who served in WWII xx RIP. Thank you for this post R.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We are all touched by war; that is what comes out in this poem. There is nothing romantic in conflict for the outcome is grief and loss. We must have courage to continue, to live when others are denied life, to love, to hope, to remember. Thank you for creating beauty and joy.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I read your post yesterday on my phone but didn’t have a chance to comment. Such beautiful words. It’s important that we take time to remember, to honour and also to avoid making the same mistakes. Have a peaceful weekend, my friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, dear Letizia. The very act of remembering has power to inspire gratitude, love, hope. But its most dynamic force is the challenge for us to seek a better way, to keep the faith, to not foster enmity, no matter how righteous it may seem. This is our time. It is our watch! We are responsible. Every act, no matter how small or insignificant makes a difference.

      Your comments are much appreciated.

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  3. I am feeling very conscious of not breaking that faith. My father’s generation is coming to its end. It is up to us now to keep that faith. I don’t want to keep the quarrel, of course. 🙂 I do want to prevent the quarrel arising ever again.

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    1. I remember when I first read Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” I was amazed how he promoted peace rather than war: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting” And at another page: “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” And yet another “There is no instance of a nation benefitting from prolonged warfare.” And my most favorite – the last word of warning to the ruler not to start a conflict: “Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever by brought back to life.”

      And this wisdom was given out centuries ago… My father was a war veteran. I am with you – we must never, ever forget.

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  6. How does one comment on a poem so beautiful, significant and meaningful? Thank you for posting it. I am very sure our family will remember their father and grandfather today and his contribution at a very important time in our history. He, among thousands “took up the torch”. We will reflect!

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    1. The photo of Dad in his WWII uniform shows a young man, only 18 years old. How hard it must have been for Grandma to see her sons bound for a distant conflict. I often think of J.R.R. Tolkien’s thoughts on war:

      “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which the defend.”

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