At 11.00am on this 11th day of the 11th month of the year, we stood silent for two minutes to remember our fallen soldiers that fought our world wars to protect our hoomans and our country.
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.
John McCrae (1872-1918)
May’s comment: On the 11th November 1918, the signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany took place at 5am in the remote Forest of Compiègne, and came into force six hours later at 11am – signalling the end of the First Great War.
It is a tradition in the U.K. to pause for a two minute silence at 11am on the 11th November to remember those killed in the wars.
In Flanders Fields by John MaCrae was written after poppies bloomed on the battlefields of the first world war among the death and destruction. The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and a life force continuing in the most difficult circumstances. We wear our poppies in respect and in remembrance.
Darcy had done this two minute silence the last two years. I wasn’t sure of George could do it – well, he did, even though he was looking around. But Miss D was standing to complete attention! Feeling proud!
2 Responses
To all veterans, everywhere: We owe you our freedom.Thank you for your service.
Very impressive respectful 2 minutes, Darcy and George. Well done!