Armistice Day

Today, in the spirit of Veteran's Day in the United States, is Armistice Day. Armistice Day is set aside to honor the veterans who have lost their lives protecting democracy. We are all so thankful for those who have laid their lives down in the past, and those who sacrifice in the present, to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Here is pictured a poppy (the picture was taken this weekend at Castle Acre Castle). Poppies grow on former battle fields, most famously on Flanders Fields, bringing life back to a place of death.

The famous first chapter of In Flanders Fields by John McCrae follows, the best inspiration for today.

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.