Armistice Day, a day late

[draconis]

It has already been said by others, and probably said better... but sometimes things should be said because the speaker needs to say them, rather than because he feels they need to be heard.

So it is with me this "Armistice Day +1." So many have fought, so many have fallen. I would like to believe that the fought and fell because they believed in what they were doing, believed in it strongly enough to willingly make their sacrifices... although logically I know that there must be at least some that did not. I do not find that a comfortable thought.

To them all, the willing and the un, I am indebted. I cannot perform the service for them that they have given me. The closest I can come is to try to adhere to the part of the old Boy Scout Oath about keeping myself mentally awake and morally straight -- in particular when it comes to selection of (and support for, or lack thereof) our leaders.

Lt. Col John McCrae charged us all to take up the torch, lest they not lie quietly in Flanders Fields. Sadly, this is still necessary, but I still wish it was possible to make a reality of the dream of so many soldiers, policemen, and doctors -- that they can one day put themselves out of business.

No, I don't think it will ever happen -- not in this world. But that doesn't make me wish for it any less, nor think it any less worthwhile to pursue.




In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel JohnMcCrae, 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.

Comments

[laure-nar.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing that. It's interesting, at work they have a board to put up our Heros in the service on. Well my Hero has passed. So I havn't taken his picture there. But just because he's passed doesn't make him less of a Hero. He did serve in his time. Was a Marine. So here's to my Grandfather, and all those past and present that have served. (toast)

[jcbdragon.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

Next time you hoist a glass to your Grandfather, please tell him Dragon says "Thank you."

And anyone who says he's "less of a Hero" because he's passed gets their picture in the dictionary... under the entry for FRIGGIN' IDIOT!

[irishkate.livejournal.com]

exactly