On Veterans Day

In Flanders Field

By Lieutenant Colonel 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.

I spent part of last night with two Vietnam veterans talking about war and national service. I honor their service, and the service and sacrifice of those who served before and after them, and serve today. I'm awed and humbled by the strength and steadfastness of the families who support their loved ones as they go off to defend the rest of us.