In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

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.

First of all, let me tell you frankly that I'm drunk and I don't care who knows it. I've been pouring down beers since about 2200 hours and that's that. If that offends anyone, I'm sorry but that's the way it is. Go ahead: Call one of the Deacons at my Baptist Church and tell 'im, "Did you know your Sunday School teacher is s*itfaced and posting on the internet?" I won't care.

Tomorrow, I'll see this post and regret making it, but right now, it's what I'll do as I just don't have any other choice in the matter.

Today, I spent my time involved in various Memorial Day activities including participation in services at a local cemetery and a parade, and such, which I outlined in another thread. But, that's passed now and I'm alone with my thoughts. Mama is asleep downstairs with her arm thrown over the damn dog like a second husband, and I'm upstairs with my ghosts.

And, ghosts they are. They've been ghosts now for 37 years, but they are as alive right now as they were on the day they died. I think that so long as I remember them, they are not truly dead, so I cling to them like a comfortable coat which I just don't want to throw away.

Fug it. I just can't finish this post. Maybe later.

quote:

Fug it. I just can't finish this post. Maybe later.

Kit, we live pretty damn close...you need to talk....give me a holler!

quote:

Originally posted by djay101:

quote:

Fug it. I just can't finish this post. Maybe later.

Kit, we live pretty damn close...you need to talk....give me a holler!

Thanks, but I'm OK. This happens every Memorial Day.

quote:

Thanks, but I'm OK. This happens every Memorial Day.

Take care....

quote:

Originally posted by stillkit:
First of all, let me tell you frankly that I'm drunk and I don't care who knows it. I've been pouring down beers since about 2200 hours and that's that. If that offends anyone, I'm sorry but that's the way it is. Go ahead: Call one of the Deacons at my Baptist Church and tell 'im, "Did you know your Sunday School teacher is s*itfaced and posting on the internet?" I won't care.

Tomorrow, I'll see this post and regret making it, but right now, it's what I'll do as I just don't have any other choice in the matter.

Today, I spent my time involved in various Memorial Day activities including participation in services at a local cemetery and a parade, and such, which I outlined in another thread. But, that's passed now and I'm alone with my thoughts. Mama is asleep downstairs with her arm thrown over the damn dog like a second husband, and I'm upstairs with my ghosts.

And, ghosts they are. They've been ghosts now for 37 years, but they are as alive right now as they were on the day they died. I think that so long as I remember them, they are not truly dead, so I cling to them like a comfortable coat which I just don't want to throw away.

Fug it. I just can't finish this post. Maybe later.

We do it sometimes. Call me if it gets worse, we can jabber and laugh. Mikey!

Over the years many of my comrades with whom we served together have passed into eternity. Yesterday was a day to honor their service to our nation. Being a part of the program was wonderful and fulfilling.

The Ironton AMVETS float was awarded "Best Theme" but the important part was "Honoring the Nations War Dead" that is why we put aside our personal issues and honored our war dead.

Thanks Dave. Encouragement go's along way. Been lots here ya helped. Hats Off. Mikey.

Sunday, we had a special Memorial Day service at our church. I was OK until, during a time of meditation, the clear, haunting notes of Taps rang out from behind the choir loft. And I lost it.
I wonder if I will ever be able to hear that without tears.

quote:

I wonder if I will ever be able to hear that without tears.

Reb,
I'm not sure that's possible for veterans, dependents, or military.
My dad has so few left alive in his area, they don't think they'll be able to have any walk in the parade anymore.
While working on the hedgerows Sunday, we were listening to the Indy 500, when they played Taps. I stopped, removed my hat, bowed my head, and let the tears well up. It's an emotion you can't get beyond; at least I can't.

We didn't go to the parade yesterday, rain canceled plans!

quote:

Originally posted by Torch8306:

quote:

I wonder if I will ever be able to hear that without tears.

Reb,
I'm not sure that's possible for veterans, dependents, or military.
My dad has so few left alive in his area, they don't think they'll be able to have any walk in the parade anymore.
While working on the hedgerows Sunday, we were listening to the Indy 500, when they played Taps. I stopped, removed my hat, bowed my head, and let the tears well up. It's an emotion you can't get beyond; at least I can't.

The day I get over being teary-eyed for TAPS - they'll be playing it o'er me -

From the VFW Officers Manual
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868



The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from hishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.


It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.
By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

Thanks Dave!

quote:

Originally posted by rm444:

That photo says it well!! See 'em soon enough - -