A POSTCARD FROM FLANDERS FIELD

Flanders in Belgium, part of the West Flanders and East Flanders was home to several battles in World War One. The Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Passchendaele were important to Canadian War history. Honoured in war memorials throughout the country.

Flanders was made famous by the poem of John McCrae. A Lieutenant Colonel and physician/surgeon born Guelph Ontario, he served in The Canadian Expeditionary Forces. Writing his poem after the death of a close friend on the battlefield, it has become a must at most Remembrance Day services.
Poppies did grow on the battlefields as they are a hardy plant.

Poppies are on many wreaths that get laid as tributes to our service men and women.

They are a plant that is found in many gardens due to their beautiful red, So remembering can be year round.

From Flanders to Canada.
John McCrae's poem is recited annually. Flanders is an important part of Canadian history. Many of our men are buried there.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

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 OURS TO HOLD IT HIGH.
IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE
WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW
IN FLANDERS FIELDS.
John McCrae-May 3, 1915