Let it Never Be Forgotten

This is the day that is set aside to honor those who have answered the call to place their lives "between their loved homes and the war's desolation." It is a sepcial day for our nation. The orignial armistice that went into effect on this date in 1918 did not end all wars or bring lasting peace to the world. Thus a day that began to honor the soldiers of one war has been extended again and again in the nearly 100 years since the observance of this day began.

It is a special day for me as an American, but it is also a special day for me as a son. My father answered his country's call (my daughter asked him once why he joined the Army, and Dad said, "The president wrote me a letter and asked for my help"--which he then had to explain to her) in the Korean War. Thankfully his service can be honored on this day rather than the one in May. And for Dad, and the millions of others who were willing to pay the ultimate price for our freedom, may we never forget.

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.

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army