In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

Luxembourg American Cemetery

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

IN FLANDERS FIELDS POEM, Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915, during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium, by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

As we celebrate the first long weekend of the summer season here in the US, travel safely and play hard, but please take just a moment to remember why we celebrate Memorial Weekend which is to commemorate all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. 

About Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

Master Gardener who enjoys gardening, quilting, photography, and traveling.
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31 Responses to In Flanders fields the poppies blow

  1. KerryCan says:
    May 26, 2017 at 6:56 am

    Such a sad, perfect post. This poem always gets to me. I just sent you an email . . .

    Liked by 2 people

  2. GP Cox says:
    May 26, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Flanders Field will always remain the most memorable poem of our loss. Having lasted 102 years and our broken hearts prove that!

    Liked by 4 people

  3. Dan Antion says:
    May 26, 2017 at 7:14 am

    Thanks for the lovely reminder, Judy.

    Liked by 3 people

  4. Wandering Dawgs says:
    May 26, 2017 at 7:16 am

    Such a meaningful poem as we approach Memorial Day and a good reminder what this holiday is for.

    Liked by 3 people

  5. quilt32 says:
    May 26, 2017 at 7:24 am

    I remember learning this poem in school about 75 years ago. Always one of my favorites.

    Liked by 3 people

  6. Murphy's Law says:
    May 26, 2017 at 7:48 am

    This poem and haunting photograph say it all. My heartfelt thanks to all who fought for my freedom at the cost of their lives. There are no adequate words.

    Beautiful tribute.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. Laurie Graves says:
    May 26, 2017 at 8:54 am

    Yes, such a sad, moving poem. As I get older, this weekend becomes more meaningful to me, too, as I remember so many family members that have passed. They are missed!

    Liked by 3 people

  8. Joyce says:
    May 26, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I didn’t realize this beautiful piece was composed during WWI. Because it meant so much to my mother, I thought it was WWII because she often read us the poem along with the story of praying my dad home on a black rosary I still have. Those were the days of Gold Stars displayed in (many) windows and the dreaded arrival of telegrams – like the one my MIL’s mother received when her son was lost on the Indianapolis carrier.
    I, too, am waking up (even at this late date) to the realization that things other than picnics and retail sales need to be first in mind over this weekend.
    Beautiful, somber, dignified photo above – made more special by the fact that you were there in tribute to your uncles.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread says:
      May 27, 2017 at 1:58 pm

      I have the two telegrams and the envelopes that my grandparents received. It is amazing to look at those pieces of paper that are over 70 years old and still feel the pain. They were strong women to bear children, see them go off to war in a strange land and then receive a piece of paper telling them their child had died weeks before. I wish we could say things have changed, but the only thing that has changed is the means of notification. Prayers for peace so our children and grandchildren can see a change for the better.

      Like

  9. sustainabilitea says:
    May 26, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    I always remember and remember as well that my f-i-l, although he fortunately didn’t die there or my husband wouldn’t exist, landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, the only survivor of his group, and was also in the Pacific front. We must always remember those willing to fight and, if necessary, die for our freedoms, even if we may not always agree with the war they fight.

    janet

    Liked by 2 people

  11. circadianreflections says:
    May 26, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    A beautiful tribute to our fallen soldiers Judy!
    I visited The American Cemetery in Normandy it was quite moving.

    Thanks for the reminder, and I wish you a lovely, and safe week-end too!

    Liked by 3 people

  12. Retirementallychallenged.com says:
    May 26, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    I love that poem and never fail to be moved by it. Thank you for posting it.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. the eternal traveller says:
    May 26, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    The cemeteries of Flanders are so moving. We were impressed by how beautiful they are. Lovely commemorative post, Judy.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. jodierichelle says:
    May 26, 2017 at 5:11 pm

    A lovely post and a necessary reminder in this increasingly vapid society we live in.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. JanetRimmington says:
    May 26, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    Proud to say that John McCrea was Canadian poet, physician and soldier. A beautiful post Judy. So important to stop and reflect. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Marilyn Armstrong says:
    May 27, 2017 at 1:22 am

    Good to be reminded. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Oddment says:
    May 27, 2017 at 7:18 am

    Never more than now do we need to be reminded how someone loved lies in a bloody field. Or bus. Or church. Or sidewalk. Wars come in all stripes, and I fear we’re becoming numbed to them, but then perhaps that’s the only way we make it through the news. This is a poignant reminder that we must fight yet that other war: the war against numbness. Thanks, Judy.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Brenda says:
    May 28, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    Sigh. We haven’t handled that torch very well, I’m afraid. WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars, but war seems to be with us always.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Annie says:
    May 29, 2017 at 11:43 am

    A picture that says much and a moving poem to help us remember and reflect. Thank you. How meaningful for you to visit your uncle’s grave. Is this the cemetery of Gen. George Patton?

    Liked by 1 person

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