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.
One hundred years ago today, the Great War ended.
Four years, three months, and two weeks claimed the lives of approximately forty million soldiers and civilians.
We remember them.
Seventy-three years ago, the Second World War ended.
Six years and one day claimed the lives of over sixty million soldiers and civilians.
We remember them.
We honour those who continue to fight, and those we have lost. We remember family and friends who were taken from us at the hands of war, so that we may live in peace and safety.
Rest now.
We remember you.
John Gillis
August 31 1915 - May 24 1941
HMS Hood