During the First World War northern Belgium was the scene of some of the bloodiest hand to hand battles ever fought by man. The area known as Flanders was once the home to generations of families, and the fields and farms that covered it were some of the most productive in Europe.
In 1914 thousands upon thousands of British, French and German lives were lost, and that once green and fertile land was turned into a quagmire of blood sodden mud.
Only one thing survived. The seeds of poppies that had lain dormant beneath the soil were liberated, and soon after the land was turned into a sea of brightest red, not from the blood of the dead, but with the petals of millions of dancing poppies.
And every year more and more poppies reappear across the fields of Flanders to remind us of the sacrifice a generation made in order that we should be free today.
Today is Remembrance Day when we wear our paper poppies, and observe two minutes silence during which we remember all those who have lost their lives in all wars.
The poppy seller
.
In 1914 thousands upon thousands of British, French and German lives were lost, and that once green and fertile land was turned into a quagmire of blood sodden mud.
Only one thing survived. The seeds of poppies that had lain dormant beneath the soil were liberated, and soon after the land was turned into a sea of brightest red, not from the blood of the dead, but with the petals of millions of dancing poppies.
And every year more and more poppies reappear across the fields of Flanders to remind us of the sacrifice a generation made in order that we should be free today.
Today is Remembrance Day when we wear our paper poppies, and observe two minutes silence during which we remember all those who have lost their lives in all wars.
The poppy seller
A proud man
He stands in the street
seemingly oblivious
to the chill November breeze
On his head
his regimental beret
On his chest
a row of brightly polished medals
From a strap
around his neck
hangs a tray
of blood red paper poppies
A proud man
doing what he can
to remind us today
of those who died so we’d be free
..
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
ReplyDeleteFunny what you remember from grammer school.
My husband and I had the privelege of visited the late President Harry S.Truman's library in Missouri several years ago. While touring the exhibit we found a letter he had written to his wife to be, Bess. He was Captain Harry S. Truman at the time and was serving as an artilleryman during WWI. Accompanying the letter was a single poppy he had picked in the fields of Flanders. The letter said, "If I were a sob sister, I would cry over such a loss of life." (Paraphrasing) I was so touched. Thank you for this post and the beautiful music.
ReplyDeleteb
This is beautifully written, Keith. You have not filled it with mushy emotion, like a Hallmark card, but you have spoken with respect and pride and gratitude- as these men and women so deserve.
ReplyDeleteIt's days like this that I miss being in my home-land. You've brought it that bit closer to me...thank you.
Bella :)
Touched my heart.. wars scar so many families.. and yet.. it continues!
ReplyDeleteFlanders poppies for remembrance day and rosemary to represent ANZAC day are something I always have in my garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this Keith.
I bought a poppy here yesterday.
Today there was a line of gorgeous red Flanders poppies in flower along someones front fence that caught my eye and looked fantastic, flowering at just the right time.I have planted some but they are too small yet to do anything.
I am a soldier's daughter and such things are close to my heart.
the poppies. my dad spoke about them. the bean has a rememberance service at his school every year. i have never REALLY thought about it. i have now. thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've known the Flanders fields quote for so many years, and I never connected it with the poppies on the lapel. I wonder on how many others this important lesson was similarly lost...
ReplyDeleteKeith, I wrote a post and linked to this bit. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeletehttp://torristravels.typepad.com/torristravels/2008/11/day-of-remembrance-armistice-day-veterans-dayless-we-forget.html
b
This is such a great piece Keith. It is very emotional and informative. You say everything with such flair and genuine sincerity great piece. Hugs and kisses to you
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteThat is an Awesome post! My dad was in WW!!. I always buy a poppy to remember him. Thanks for stopping by my place. Take Care!!
Sherrie
Well said Keith, Lest we forget!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to remind those of us, myself included, who too often get caught up in our own lives to remember those who made our existence possible.
ReplyDeletewhat a touching post. thanks for the important reminder....
ReplyDeleteI never knew why poppies were worn for Remembrance Day. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLike others, I didn't know about the poppy connection. It all makes perfect sense now.
ReplyDeleteSo much tries to get lost as we march forward. Thanks for making sure this didn't.