Remembrance Day Trail Run

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae

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.

We have the privilege of running on trails in a country that we rally do take for granted. 

On one day of the year, November 11th, we are reminded to give tribute to those who put there lives in harms way to keep our country and way of life safe.

One of our regular trail runners, Barb N., a few years ago recited 'In Flanders Fields' after a run on a November 11th morning. 

A small thing that made me, and I am sure the others present, a reminder to be proud of what we have everyday in Canada, freedom of choice, expression and a constitution that is for the "we" not the "me".

The poem is so simple, but has the beauty and rage that must have been inside field surgeon, Major John McCrae, that day on the battle field in Belgium in 1915.

Please take time to read it a couple times and give thanks to those who served our country.

See you on the trails.