“In Flanders Fields”
BY JOHN MCCRAE
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.
Today is Memorial Day (here in the states), we’re taking a day to remember and reflect on those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; who gave their “last full measure of devotion” [Abraham Lincoln], so that our country, and its people, could be free, remain free, and enjoy those freedoms and the knowledge that their children and grandchildren would be able to live and enjoy all that such freedom brings. You may accuse me of being overly patriotic, or nostalgic, perhaps even maudlin – but a great many people have given their all in the protection of this country that I only feel it fitting to take the time to express my gratitude to those who fell in her defense; to those who continue to place themselves in harm’s way for our protection; to their families, for the sacrifice they too have given and continue to give. We owe much to the men and women who join our armed forces and when I think of the time and energy they have given; sacrifices of life or limb, my heart fills as surely as my eyes and I find it difficult to fathom the depths of such a gift. Is there anyone who does not have a family member, loved one, or friend who has served and to whom they owe this gratitude? I pray for a time when the world no longer requires a military presence, but that is not a reality for today. The poem at left reflects on the thoughts of those who have died – they throw the torch of the battle to those coming after. Let us live so that the sacrifice is not in vain.
Somber thoughts and certainly not original, I know, but it is a somber day and this is where my thought paths have taken me. I began with only the idea of mentioning the holiday, and then going on to a normal update, but the words just continued to show up on the page. Hope you’ll give me this indulgence for the day, Wednesday we will get back to our regularly scheduled programming. I want to say: I am grateful; we are grateful, as we look out each day on what we’ve been given and the opportunities that lie before us. It is a wonder that we have this small patch of peace in the midst of a world so often fraught with strife, division, and anger. Should this peace be threatened, we are grateful for those who will protect and defend.
Today’s Weather: One guess. Right! Windy. A bit cooler today. But I am surely sick of the wind. Currently, at 4:23 p.m., it is 78° with winds topping 43 mph coming WSW, 13% humidity. Overnight low will be around 43°. Slightly warmer tomorrow.
Egg Report: Saturday – 33 chicken, 0 duck, 0 goose. Sunday – 40 chicken, 2 duck, 0 goose. Monday – 42 chicken, 7 duck, 0 goose.
Wing and a Prayer 