In Flanders fields the poppies grow
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
Icelandic Poppies
In Flanders Field is one of the most beautiful war poems ever written. To read about the making of the poem see the following from the Arlington National Cemetery website.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Thanks Kim.
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It’s a beautiful poem and the story behind it, even more so.
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A beautiful post, Kim.
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Thank you Ann.
I didn’t get to mug up until after 10:00 and hope i didn’t miss you if you were there earlier.
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I learned this poem in 6th grade at the Maplewood School and recited it for the Memorial Day assembly on the stage in “the basement”. Do other Maplewood alumni remember that stage?
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Thanks for writing Beth. I didn’t read this poem until I was much past grade school, but can never look at poppies without thinking of the story behind the writing of. Would love to hear from others and their memories of Memorial Day’s past.
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Grow, not blow
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