Sunday, May 25, 2008

In Memory


Memorial Day has been observed since 1868.  It was established to honor those who died during the Civil War and was called Decoration Day for many years.  It later expanded to honor all who died during war or military service.  The name was officially changed to Memorial Day in 1968.

Flanders Field 
John McCrae (1915)

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.

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