Holding the Torch High

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.

It was upon the death of a friend and comrade who lost his life during the battle the previous day that Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD., of the Canadian Army expended precious moments of rest to compose this tribute as he looked across to a cemetery where wild poppies had sprung up and were being blown by a gentle wind. From the first, I've always liked that poem, for to me it is the epitome embodiment of the many courageous men and their effort to serve their country. With a cause they are devoted to, they press on into the battle, even giving their all if that is what is called of them. And the silent, or not so silent, charge and entreaty to carry on, to not allow the fight of the fallen to be in vain. The courageous who survive march onward despite, or because of, the losses all around them.

Let us, the Soldiers of Christ, also not allow our fight be in vain. Let us be "stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 12:1-2; II Timothy 2:3)

To those who have served or are serving, I salute you. Thank you for your example, your service, and your dedication.