All through my youth we always went to school and on Remembrance Day (Nov 11 in Canada) there was always an assembly, a moment of silence and a reading of arguably the second most famous poem in the world (after Roses are Red) 'In Flanders Field'. I get a little grumpy when I see that it has become just another statutory holiday where kids go home and play Xbox or some such all day.

My son (7yo) will be learning this poem that day and we will have a long chat about the sacrifices our forefathers made (in body, soul and mind) to keep our world free of tyranny as well as the sacrifices that continue to be made by modern day soldiers in service to their country.

I am not a hawk nor a dove. I hate war but hallow the warrior.

I'll be taking a moment for reflection this coming Sunday - I hope you do to.


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.

- J. McCrae