Remembrance Day 2009

Displayed here are two family medals from WW1, and the lapel badge that I wear at this time of year. Last week I mentioned my Great Uncle who died in that war.

I have visited the Clairiere de L'Armistice in the Foret De Compiegne. The agreement was signed there at 5.15am on 11.11.1918, but did not come into effect until 11am.

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.

Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

S