Armistice Day

Posted on behalf of Charlie Arlinghaus

Today used to be called Armistice Day in remembrance of the armistice signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month that ended what was called The Great War in 1918. The moving poem "In Flanders Fields" was written by a soldier and is the reason we wear poppies at remembrance ceremonies.

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.