Lieutenant Colonel John Mc Crae, M.D. From Martin to me via email:
This is the poem by Lt Col John Mc Crae which he wrote during WWI after the death of his friend. I thought you might want to read it to the boys today as today is Veterans Day or Armistice Day.
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.
What a beautiful poem in a time of utter savagery and suffering on the part of fallen soldiers. It amazes me that a man can pen such a thing in the devastating situation and suffering that accomodates our soldiers especially in the first two world wars. Just look at Iraqi war photos to see some of the ways that ours and others soldiers have died in battle for....my freedom. It is gruesome.
There are many a book that Martin hopes to read aloud to our children as they get older to paint the history of how our great nation has remained free. I don't have any historical fiction in mind right now but look forward to this time in their education. I will be doing broad swathes of history for now using A Child's History of the World. I do know of plenty of movies and documentaries that we look forward to sharing in time although Hollywood will not paint the true reality of war and fighting for principal. Movies of the underdog and courage and manliness, i.e., ideal qualities of a good soldier. I love them. Here is a list that I hope to add to in time.
The Patriot
Gladiator
Band of Brothers
I am sure my husband could add some older movie titles that are vital to this list...and if he emails them to me, I will include them.
My family salutes the soldiers fighting for and who have fought for our freedom and we are humbled by your courage.
For Biblical perspective on the role of military victory, please order, free of charge, Freedom Through Military Victory here.
What movies and/or books do you want to share or have shared about our history of freedom?
