Veterans Day and the centennial of the end of WW1. Today we thank our Veterans and ruminate on the ending of the “War to End All Wars”.
It seems a bit commercialized and yet something that a majority of people in the U.S. and abroad should always remember. Our country, our freedoms, our faiths, our ability to be who we are, have all been secured by young men and women who have sacrificed by serving.
While it’s easy to write something pithy, I’d rather share a poignant bit of poetry to remind us of the sacrifices made by those who never came home, who’s lives were cut short, a generation who’s hopes and dreams were gone in an instant.
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.
-John McCrae
My family is full of veterans. Many of my close friends have also served and some continue to serve. They have done so that we will not suffer to the abject horror of tyranny and terrorism.
I am a grandson, nephew, and son of veterans that wanted me to do more, to be more, and to do more, for my family and for others. Today, like everyday, We have a solemn duty to remember and to never forget.
Thank you and I have not forgotten.
