On this Veterans’ Day, we remember and honor the men and women who have fought for the freedoms we hold near and dear. We honor also the women and men who defend these freedoms today … for us and for people of other nations to experience. Thank you, Veterans.
Beginning to ponder, I looked at the date and was nearly transported in time to Mrs. Fisher’s eighth grade class. She had assigned us to memorize a poem. Our exam would be to then write it during class, in our best cursive, graded on words, spelling, and punctuation. I remember my poem to this day. Written by a Canadian physician, soldier, and poet in 1915, it speaks of a U.S. military cemetery in Belgium where 368 American WWI veterans are buried. 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 yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. -- John McCrae, 1915 Sovereign God, as we remember with respect and honor the lives of all men and women who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy, may we also strive for peace in our relationships, our communities, our country, and our world. In the name of the Prince of Peace, may it be so. Amen. Grace and peace … --Pastor Pat
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