Memorial Poppy

This beautiful poem was written in 1915 by Major John McCrae who served in the Canadian Army as a surgeon. It is a tribute to all who sacrificed their lives in war for peace.

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.

A woman named Moina Belle Michael later replied with her own poem, We Shall Keep the Faith. Moina was also responsible for the conception of the Memorial Poppy. Through her hard work and diligence, red poppies became the national emblem of remembrance for those who had not returned home from war.

We Shall Keep the Faith

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

Thanks to all of our veterans for serving our country, enabling liberty and freedom for all!

--LKR

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This is the newest circle located at the south side of Eau Claire. Click to enlarge the picture, and you will see little flags placed here for Memorial Day.

(The tire tracks you see are evidence of drunk drivers who either tried to drive over the circle or didn't see the circle--they get stuck and have to call for help. Honestly.)