In the U.S., today is Veterans’ Day; elsewhere it’s Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, marking 88 years since the truce that ended World War I.
Whatever you’re doing, please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices our men and women in arms have made throughout history to protect our nation. Regardless of your views on the war, remember the sacrifices our troops are making now in Iraq.
I happened to come across this video on YouTube; It’s one man’s tribute to his parents’ service during World War II, and I think including it here is appropriate:
And, finally, a poem that encapsulates the cost of war on the young people sent to fight it:
In Flanders Fields
by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian ArmyIn 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.