On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms across the generations. May God Bless our fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard personnel as well as those they left behind; grieving families and a grateful nation.
I would like to share this poem with you, “In Flanders Fields”, first written in 1915 and often associated with our remembrance of Memorial Day. It was penned by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, who was inspired to write it after the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier. This has always been one of my favorites: In Flanders fields the poppies blow We are the Dead. Short days ago Take up our quarrel with the foe:
With deepest respect and appreciation to our veterans, military families and the loved ones of those who gave their lives in service to our country – Patti Bellock Deputy Minority Leader State Representative, 47th District |