See Sophia reciting In Flanders Fields
I recently spent a week with my 13 year old daughter working with her to memorize the poem Flanders Fields. I have often heard it read without thought as young and old alike try to recite it. Now don't read too much into my comment. I still like to see them try and don't denigrate their heartfelt attempt to keep the poem alive but I often wonder why we forget about the punctuation that was written there by the author.
McCrae was a military doctor who saw the worse things a man could see. Dead and dying, wounded lying in the fields as he did what he could to lengthen and save the lives of those most affected by the war. He with care and thought laid out the scene for all those to come after him so they could in some small measure experience in a small way what he was seeing.
I am the first to espouse a need for more peace in the world and if called on to kill another human I would conscientiously refuse. That does nothing to lessen my support for our country to recognize the service given by many during many conflicts throughout our past. I honour and remember the sacrifice. For some an ultimate sacrifice so that I could be allowed my freedom.
I can not bring myself to put down in any way the service of both those men and women in the past and those that continue to serve today. I do dream of a time when we as society and the countries all over the world realize there is no longer a need to fight on the battlefield.
Getting back to my daughter I went and watched as she proudly stood in front of her school and gathered guests to recite the poem for all. I think she did it well and with care and respect. I spent the next day listening to everything I could find both musical and literary surrounding Remembrance Day and realize now that we mostly remain unaware of the vast number of artist who have produced quite moving items for our use at this time of year.
To everyone everywhere I say spend two minutes thinking about our world and the work of our armed forces and veterans and thank them when you can. It does not mean you want more war but means instead you understand they chose to answer the call whether right or wrong to serve.
Just as the poem says if ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields. Lets not forget to remember.
I recently spent a week with my 13 year old daughter working with her to memorize the poem Flanders Fields. I have often heard it read without thought as young and old alike try to recite it. Now don't read too much into my comment. I still like to see them try and don't denigrate their heartfelt attempt to keep the poem alive but I often wonder why we forget about the punctuation that was written there by the author.
McCrae was a military doctor who saw the worse things a man could see. Dead and dying, wounded lying in the fields as he did what he could to lengthen and save the lives of those most affected by the war. He with care and thought laid out the scene for all those to come after him so they could in some small measure experience in a small way what he was seeing.
I am the first to espouse a need for more peace in the world and if called on to kill another human I would conscientiously refuse. That does nothing to lessen my support for our country to recognize the service given by many during many conflicts throughout our past. I honour and remember the sacrifice. For some an ultimate sacrifice so that I could be allowed my freedom.
I can not bring myself to put down in any way the service of both those men and women in the past and those that continue to serve today. I do dream of a time when we as society and the countries all over the world realize there is no longer a need to fight on the battlefield.
Getting back to my daughter I went and watched as she proudly stood in front of her school and gathered guests to recite the poem for all. I think she did it well and with care and respect. I spent the next day listening to everything I could find both musical and literary surrounding Remembrance Day and realize now that we mostly remain unaware of the vast number of artist who have produced quite moving items for our use at this time of year.
To everyone everywhere I say spend two minutes thinking about our world and the work of our armed forces and veterans and thank them when you can. It does not mean you want more war but means instead you understand they chose to answer the call whether right or wrong to serve.
Just as the poem says if ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Fields. Lets not forget to remember.
0
Log In or Sign Up to add a comment.- 1
arrow-eseek-eNo items to displayFacebook Comments