Memorial Day for some, is a sobering time

On Memorial Day we honor the men and women who died while serving in the greatest military of the world, the US Armed Forces. We’ve fought in many conflicts all of which have been on foreign soil, with one exception of course – our Civil War. During World War I the landscape in Europe took a brutal beating and many lives were lost. In war-torn battlefields the poppy flower was one of the first flowers to grow. It is written that poppies were a common site in Europe. It was during WWI that the poppy became a symbol of remembrance – of the lives lost to war. A brigade surgeon, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, wrote a poem “In Flander’s Field” after seeing the sea of red flowers (poppies) concealing the many wounded bodies and those who lost their lives.

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

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.

We’d be remiss not to mention our first responders and healthcare workers who have perished during the last few months. This Memorial Day we also remember the brave souls who are fighting a battle that physical strength and agilities do not overcome. As they care for the sick and dying, we salute them as well.

From our healthcare professionals to others, we salute your efforts, courageous spirits and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! 

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