Friday, May 25, 2012

One Nation, Under God ...

As we celebrate this long Memorial Day weekend with picnics, barbeques, and family gatherings, let us also remember the true reason for the holiday — to reverently honor and pay our respects to those who gave their lives in service of their country, preserving and protecting the freedoms that we all enjoy today. I wish I could personally thank each and every one of them for the sacrifices they and their families made for our country.

I would also like to remember with gratitude our servicemen and women who, as I write this, are risking their lives every day to keep America out of harm's way.

While we should remember these heroes in our prayers every day, I hope we will all take time out this weekend, as "one Nation, under God," to proudly fly our flags, bow our heads in gratitude, and ask God to protect them as they protect us, and bless them and their families for the sacrifices they make for us.


In Flanders Fields

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.


Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD
(1872-1918) Canadian Army

Picture borrowed from the Internet, Artist Unknown

5 comments:

RachelD said...

Poignant and perfect, Janie.

I hope you and all yours a happy, safe holiday.

rachel

nancygrayce said...

That is truly beautiful! I am so thankful for all our veterans! And for all those who serve in such dangerous places today, I pray they come home to their families and thank them for being willing to die to protect mine!

Churaipon Chintakanont Klaijumlang said...

Dear Janie,

I love the painting, poem, and especially your thoughtful writing. Though I am not an American, I agree and appreciate every thought and word you wrote down. America has been richly blessed, and people of all walks of life have enjoyed the richness of this land. The United States of American has welcomed and comforted more and more people of many races, and embraced them into ONE. It would be just great that all would pause for at least one moment and ponder to the FACT that you laid out and be thankful for the ONE who has blessed and also those who have laid their lives to pay the price to make this country most blessed.

Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing!

Blessings,
Churaipon

Dorothy said...

That poem always brings tears to my eyes!! I memorized it long ago and have always loved it for the deep meaning it holds for me. Thanks for posting this!
♥ Dorothy

Marti said...

I quoted this same touching poem on my blog today. My father was in the Canadian army during WW1, so this is especially relevant to me. Have a blessed day.