[fionaB]

In Flanders Fields

In Flander's Fields, the poppies grow,

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 sunsets glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.



Take up our quarrels 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

[Chris]

[Dave]

Very apt

[stepheno]

Good one,Fi

[namllihs]

Nice

[Angela]

That's lovely Fi

[Foxesbrew]

As a young lad ilived in the middle of a wartime Army camp ,prior to D DAY the unit were waterproofing thier vihicles ready for the landings.I was very friendly with one young soldier who i called black hands his hands were always black from the waterproofing compound.ON the eve of their departure he told me with conviction that he knew he would not return.Iwrote to him but quite quickly the letter was returned telling me of his death in action.The courage of this man and the many others who bravely carried on despite their forebodings must never be forgotton WE MUST REMEMBER THEM.

[Dabhand16]

Agree with you, Foxesbrew, but as I've said in another thread, I also extend my rememberance to all who were killed in the madness of war, regardless of nationallity.

The soldiers of other countries were in essence, no different to our own soldiers. I'll bet that they too were scared of what was happening, wrote their last letters to their loved ones, and were mourned just as much.

I take nothing away from the bravery and dedication of our armed forces, all of whom were heros in my eyes. It is just that now, after all this time, I feel that the ceremonies should become a celebration of peace with representation from all nations to remember the pointless loss of lives wherever they were lived.

In remembering their sacrifices, we should also remember that war is futile. I'm sad to say I don't know who said it, but it is summed up rather well in this:

"Vilolence is the last refuge of the incompetent".

[Rob Barron]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Agree with you, Foxesbrew, but as I've said in another thread, I also extend my rememberance to all who were killed in the madness of war, regardless of nationallity.

The soldiers of other countries were in essence, no different to our own soldiers. I'll bet that they too were scared of what was happening, wrote their last letters to their loved ones, and were mourned just as much.

I take nothing away from the bravery and dedication of our armed forces, all of whom were heros in my eyes. It is just that now, after all this time, I feel that the ceremonies should become a celebration of peace with representation from all nations to remember the pointless loss of lives wherever they were lived.

In remembering their sacrifices, we should also remember that war is futile. I'm sad to say I don't know who said it, but it is summed up rather well in this:

"Vilolence is the last refuge of the incompetent".

I don't agree but I will leave it for a general chat thread as I do not want to reduce the significance of the posting by Fiona which is a poignant reminder of lost loved ones in tragic circumstances. Let's leave it there and save political debate for a different thread.