
Since Remembrance Day is almost here (11th November), I thought I would try to pen a poem about the Poppy as a tribute to the fallen of World War One…Known as “The Great War” and also as “The War to End All Wars”. Of course, history shows that this “Great War” did not, unfortunately, end all wars, and whether you agree with armed conflict or not, it should not diminish the bravery of the men who fought….and the many who died….in the hope of protecting the freedom of those they left behind in their homelands.
The War to end All Wars, they said
They called it that, but they were wrong
This poem is for the millions dead
And for the flowers that they fought among.
The poppies grew on Flanders Field
Red petals match the red blood spilled
Those brave young men refused to yield
And on those muddy fields were killed.
We wear the poppy to remember them
And the reasons that they died
Through our button-hole we place the stem
The red poppy, worn with pride.
On a personal note, both of my grandfathers, along with their brothers, fought in WW1. Thankfully my grandfathers came home safely. My father and uncles fought in WW2 – again came home safely, although one uncle lost an arm in the conflict. I am thankful that so far, me, my brother and my sons have been spared the horror of having to fight in WW3. I remain hopeful that this fragile peace, in which we currently live, continues.
I share your hope that no one has to fight in WWIII.
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If it happens, on a world scale, Liz it will be all over very quickly without boots being put on the ground. Once the first missile hits ground, any chance of limiting damage will be gone as the other side fires back all they have. Back in the late 70’s / early 80’s, on the CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) marches, we used to call it M.A.D. Mutually Assured Destruction – an unwinnable war. When I hear Presidents talk of being able to win a “limited” nuclear war…I worry a lot.
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M.A.D. is coming back to me now. Very, very frightening.
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