In Flanders Fields

The war created prime conditions for poppies to flourish in Flanders and north-west France (and Gallipoli). Continual bombardment disturbed the soil and brought the seeds to the surface. They were fertilized by nitrogen in the explosives and lime from the shattered rubble of the buildings.

John McCrae penned a short poem entitle, “In Flanders Fields” which has become famous. The words of the poem are:

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 essence, he is telling us to take the torch ~ deny evil in any form.

So, on this Memorial Day, we must run with that torch!