seticat

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, 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.



Lest we forget.....



[note: I know, everyone posts this poem this time of year. For me, not only does it mean something because of the day and my military background, but it's the first piece of writing I can remember memorizing in school and presenting at a school event.]

In a lot of ways once you've worn the uniform, you never really take it off. This is just unthinkable.

These men and women were ours. Members of our great and extended military family. Living here on US soil. And they were killed by one of their own - an officer and a doctor who was tied by his two separate oaths to cherish each and every life entrusted to his care and to keep them as safe as anyone can be in the dangerous occupation they chose.

Every time I think I've got the demons and the shadows that came back with me from the Gulf in '91 under wraps, it's something like this that rips things apart and brings all the feelings of helplessness to the fore.

May all the Powers receive them to their peace. May those left behind be given the strength to heal their wounds, both of the flesh and of the spirit.

Marines of 1 MEF now restricted from taking leaves or passes in Tijuana.

And they are required to have written permission from an O-5 or higher to go anywhere into Mexico.

We're talking Marines who's had tours in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.

To quote: "The limits were first put in place for the Christmas holiday. Last week the commander extended the order indefinitely, said Mike Alvarez, civilian public information officer for the unit at Camp Pendleton.

"The situation in Mexico is now more dangerous than usual," he said. "The intent is just to look out for the Marines' safety and well-being."

And I thought the whole '1990-91 Winter Festival in the Gulf" was dicey...

On this Day of Remembrance, please go read Ambulance Driver's post for today. He says it all and better than this poor word smith every could.