This is my first blog post. I had something that I wanted to post on facebook, but it was too long.
It's Memorial Day and I always take time to remember those who have given their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. I watched "All's Quiet on the West Front" the other day and it reminded me of a poem I read awhile back. It was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. He was in the Canadien army serving as a doctor during World War I.
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.
When I was in the Air Force, I was able to visit the American Cemetary in Luxembourg while on a trip when I was in stationed in Germany. It moved me in a way that I will never get over. I don't want to get over. I'll always remember all those rows of graves. Each little cross or star of David had a name, a rank, and a date on it. These were faces somewhere in time. I took Kristi to see that place. Patton is buried there with all his troops. We have a great country.
When my unit would be out on an exercise, on several occasions our caravan would go through some small German town. People would stop on the sidewalks and hold up their fingers in a V for victory. Even after all those years they still remembered. No doubt the older citizens had stories they could tell. Victory came at a great price.
I'm reminded of a verse; John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Today I thank the Lord for His word and for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifrice for our freedom.
5 comments:
That was terrific, honey. Made me teary-eyed. Our country has so much to be thankful for. It seems as though with each passing day, these men that have given their lives, and are placing their lives on the line, are being forgotten and unappreciated.
I love them for what they've done for me and my country. May we never forget.
That was so moving, Bruce. It was a pleasure to read it and see it through your eyes. Keep up the good work!!!! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you son for your GREAT post.
It would be great if all of us would remember how many lives have been lost so that we could have this freedom that we so much take for granted.
May God Bless America and all those who have served this great Country in one way or another.
Thank you for your Service and your post today.
God bless you and we love you.
Mom Birt
Bruce & Kristi,
Thanks for posting this. It gives us "food for thought". We do need to remember all the men and women that have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy daily and for those who have shared their stories with generation ahead to keep them in memory.
Beautiful post Bro. Bruce! We are so blessed to reap the freedom so many sewed.
I need to try a little harder to remember those who have gone before and did so much for us to be free.
Thanks for a great post!
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