11/11/08

Today is Remembrance Day. A day to remember those that have fallen defending... lol... defending. Not our country. Even WWI, WWII, the Korean war, they werne't defending our country, they were helping defend other countries, and that is an honorable thing to do. Worth remembering. We remember them, and we remember and give thanks to those that didn't die on the battlefield, but came home with all the other scars that the participant in war receives. Serving maybe, but not defending.
We are also remembering, and thanking, those that have served since those wars. Those that serve in a Peacekeeping capacity; those that served, and are serving in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.
we show our support for the troops. The Army. The Navy. The Air Force. I have a number of friends stationed in various places serving our country. It's pretty cool. My little brother did it to. He put in his time in Afghanistan.
So I am thankful for those that serve, have served, and will serve.

My favorite poem as a kid:

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

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.