Lest we Forget
Pausing on November 11
In Flanders Fields, the poppies grow
between the crosses row on row
that mark our place.
And in the sky,
the larks still bravely singing fly.
Scarce herd 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.
— Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, 1915
See this video, produced by Veterans Affairs Canada.
On November 11 at 11:00 A.M. we pause for two minutes of silence to remember the men and women who gave their lives during WW1, WW2, the Korean War, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and other twentieth century wars.
Originally called Armistice Day (Remembrance Day in Canada; Veteran’s Day in the USA), the holiday originated in 1919 to remember the formal ceasefire between Germany and the Allied Forces. Since then, it has since grown to become a memorial to all those who lost their lives in wartime while fighting for democracy.
Lest we forget. Today, we remember them.
Each year, I pledge my support to the Unknown Soldier.
The history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is rooted in the aftermath of World War I, with nations creating tombs to honor unidentified soldiers who died in the conflict. Over time, the concept spread from Great Britain and France to other countries, including Canada, the USA and Australia. Over time, the purpose has evolved to represent all unidentified service members from different wars.
Although we honor these few graves, we consider the tens of thousands still buried in Europe and other regions. They may gone from our memory, but they are not forgotten by their grieving families.
Thankfully, today’s technology is now able to identify long forgotten remains. But until each one is restored to their proper resting place, we shall remember the nameless.
War is a terrible tragedy that none should endure.
The site, Our World in Data war states: “Since 1800, more than 37 million people worldwide have died while actively fighting in wars.
The number would be much higher still if it also considered the civilians who died due to the fighting, the increased number of deaths from hunger and disease resulting from these conflicts, and the deaths in smaller conflicts that are not considered wars.1”
Ponder that.
As we pause to remember those who died, let us continue to fight for peace. Democracy must prevail.
About the author: MJ Krause-Chivers writes historical fiction set during WW1 in southern Ukraine and post-WW2 in Germany. Check out their books on Amazon.
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Thank You for your passionate words….Miranda on this Remembrance day…