Memorial Day

During this Memorial Day weekend, I ask that we all remember why we mark the day. Please, take a moment during the long weekend, especially on Memorial Day itself, to remember those who have given their lives in service to their country. Spare them a thought. Say a prayer for their peace and the peace of their loved ones. If you see a Veteran selling poppies, consider buying one. Put it in your lapel, or on your briefcase, or on your purse, or on the visor in your car. If you have children, teach them to honor those who sacrifice on our behalf. Remember: "If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields."

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

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.