Flanders fields is a well-known memorial poem, written by John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and teacher who served in WW1. It is often read aloud during services for Remembrance Day, which is coming up on the 11th of November (this year, on a Friday). For an in-depth explanation and analysis of the poem, view here.
Below is the poem, Flanders Fields, by John McCrae.
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
Each year on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, in the 11th month, we dedicate 1-minute silence to all the soldiers who died in battle for our country. This day observes the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War 1 with Germany.
As well as participating in the 1-minute of silence, there are many more ways you can also acknowledge Remembrance Day:
- Attend a service
- Wear a Poppy
- Visit a memorial
- Take a virtual tour here
