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.
This day is to remember those who gave the last full measure for their country. 
At my Uncle’s funeral Wednesday, at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas - walking the grounds, I was somewhat surprised to find literally Hundreds (perhaps thousands) of graves marked “Unknown U.S. Soldier”. Most were re-interred there from other Cemeteries, and are Civil War casualties, presumably from both sides. But there were others… all the way to the Vietnam War.
The fact of so many Soldiers of that era buried there, or that it was a mix of Union and Confederate dead wasn’t the surprise - it was that so many were unknown. It was Moving.
One other National Cemetery I have visited is in Tennessee - Stones River National Cemetery. It was established a short time after the Battle, and is perhaps the first [later established as a] National Cemetery where Soldiers from both sides were buried together contemporaneously.
I have a strange, respectful fascination with cemeteries; War cemeteries in particular. Whenever visiting, I always walk them, tending graves that have become overgrown, straightening headstones (not necessary in National Cemeteries, of course), and noting Names and Dates.
Remembering: even if I never knew those buried there.
Maybe I should have given away some stickers to garner more “likes” on this post.
As of me typing 14 members liked this post.
I hope we are not taking Memorial day lightly. It’s not about just having a long weekend and cook outs. We are afforded these opportunities because of the sacrifices made by THOSE THAT GAVE ALL.
Soldiers Died fighting for our freedoms!!
Someone’s son, daughter, father, mother, brother, sister Died for you and I.
I don’t mean to preach but please take a minute to really understand what today is truly meant for and be grateful to live in a free Country.
God bless our fallen service members and God bless the USA
Amen.
They cannot erase history taught by us to our children at home.
Found this posted on another forum. It is called the “Virtual Wall” where you can find a list of those who made the ultimate sacrifice from various states, cities, and areas.
“You can click on a state to see a list of cities and the ones who died from each city. If you click on a name you can see more details.”
I know I’m a week out from Memorial Day. I have read every post on this thread and wiped away a tear or two reading the poetry and clever sayings. I also have a strange, yet respectful fascination with cemeteries, especially this dedicated to fallen soldiers. I also am only 45 minutes to Stones River Battleground. With all of this commonality between us the thing that is most surprising, and in fact heart-wrenching, is the lack of participation on this particular thread. Our country is at the brink of collapse due to woke policy and an unsustainable debt practice, lack of patriotism, and a turning from God and a Biblical moral compass. Jesus, help us all.
Thank you for your heartfelt reply sir.
@steel.horses101
God bless you brother 