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During the First World War, northern Belgium was the scene of some of the bloodiest hand-to-hand battles ever fought by man. The area known as Flanders was once the home to generations of families, and the fields and farms that covered it were some of the most productive in Europe.
In 1914 thousands upon thousands of British, French and German lives were lost, and that once green and fertile land was turned into a quagmire of blood-sodden mud.
Only one thing survived. The seeds of poppies that had lain dormant beneath the soil were liberated, and soon after the land was turned into a sea of the brightest red, not from the blood of the dead, but with petals of millions of dancing poppies.
And every year more and more poppies reappear across the fields of Flanders to remind us of the sacrifice a generation made so that we should be free today.
Today is Remembrance Day when we wear our paper poppies and observe a two-minute silence during which we remember all those who have lost their lives in all wars.
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THE POPPY SELLER
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A proud man
He stands in the street
seemingly oblivious
to the chill November breeze
.
On his head
his regimental beret
On his chest
a row of brightly polished medals
.
From a strap
around his neck
hangs a tray
of blood-red paper poppies
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A proud man
doing what he can
to remind us today
of those who died so we’d be free
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Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?
❤️beautiful
Thank you, Beth.
We will never forget their sacrifice. Amen!
Amen
We remember and will not forget. Such a beautiful tribute, Keith.
Indeed. Thank you, Maria.
Such a beautiful tribute, Keith. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten indeed.
Thanks, Shweta, they certainly should not.
So beautifully told Keith. It’s indeed a darkest chapter of our history and one would have thought that we would have learned that war doesn’t solve any problems. Thanks for joining in with this very moving tribute.
Will they ever learn?
Thank you for providing us with such an inspirational photo, Sadje.
They don’t seem to b learn anything about anything. But we can hope.
You’re most welcome my friend
Wonderful post and poem, Keith. Thank you. 🌹
Thanks for your kind words, Lesley.
Flanders Field was a very sobering sight.
Indeed.
I tearfully thank all who served, and remember all who died serving.
Thank you, Mimi.
No words today, Keith. Just going to let this sit. 🖤❤️🖤
Thank you, Nancy.
Lest we forget
Amen
Hi Keith – ‘So We’d be Free’ … this time of year is always nostalgic … with peaceful thoughts – Hilary
Indeed it is, Hilary
💝💝💝
Thanks, Beth
Beautiful tribute, Keith.
Thank you so much, Indira.