After 17 days tending the wounded from some of the bloodiest battles of World War I at the Ypres Salient in today’s Belgium, after witnessing the death of his friend, in Flanders Fields, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae penned this poem. His sentiments still resonate today.

To veterans everywhere.

“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.”

— Lt. Colonel John McCrae, MD

Thanks to the Random Acts of Kindness, registered for the Adopt A Soldier site. Then put together a care package based on some guidelines I found from this soldier. As soon as I get an address I’ll send the package off, hopefully in time for Christmas.