One of the most beautiful sites in all of Europe are the poppy field overlooking the Normandy Beaches in Northern France. It was unbelievable to see the German bunkers jutting out of the sea of yellow and red. The poppy is a global symbol applied to honoring the service of soldier's to their nation. The poem below titled
In Flanders Fields was written by Canadian physician, John McCrae at the time of the battle of Ypres during the First World War. It inspired the American Legion to use the flower to honor the sacrifices of soldiers. The American Legion Poppy program is still going strong today. In Great Britain, Poppy Day, also known as Remembrance Day is recognized on the second Sunday in November to commemorate service men and women killed in action since 1914. Thank you to those who serve!
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| June 2013 photo taken of my students in Normandy |
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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.
