In Flanders Field

When we first booked our European River Cruise we decided to do the Lucerne post-cruise trip which meant I wouldn't get to visit the cemetery in Belgium of our WWI veterans immortalized in John McCrae's poem. When Lucerne was filled we chose the Bruegge, Belgium pre-cruise trip and I was happy because now I will get to visit this famous place.

When I was telling this story at dinner on Wednesday night no one knew what Flanders Field was. They knew veterans sold poppies but didn't know why. So in memory of all those who have died in all wars protecting our freedom and in honor of those that continue to do so, I present the famous poem for you to read and reflect upon.

P.S. We arrived in Michigan yesterday after much bumping along the Michigan roads. We came into town today to take cupcakes to Sam's 1st grade room to celebrate his birthday. We are all going out to dinner this evening.


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