Most of us no doubt get the significance of the poppy, but if not:
Lt. Colonel John McCrae M.D. "In Flanders Fields", written after the 2nd Battle of Ypres during which the Germans used chlorine gas on the Canadian line April 22, 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.
|