Lovely poem, lovely sentiment but today is the day we celebrate the living who served or are still serving. We remember all those who served and gave their lives for our country on Memorial Day in May.
The poem dates from WWI that ended on this date in 1911. For most of the 20th century this poem was read at many Veteran’s Day ceremonies. I read it myself on one occasion in my hometown. Joe
I know the poem well. In the past, the USA celebrated Armistice Day along with European countries (UK, France) and Canada, but in 1954 the holiday was changed in the U.S. to Veteran’s Day to honor all who served in the U.S. military, both living and deceased. Memorial Day is our national holiday for those who died in service to the U.S. (it’s been around since just after the Civil War, in 1868). Flanders Field is appropriate for Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. To veterans and those who are serving, the two holidays are very distinctive and carry very different meanings and observation.
Apparently we’re both wring as the president has decided to rename November 11 “Victory Day WWI” (and May 8 “Victory Day WWII” - even though US troops were still fighting the Battle of Okinawa on that date). Celebrations all around!!
Lovely poem, lovely sentiment but today is the day we celebrate the living who served or are still serving. We remember all those who served and gave their lives for our country on Memorial Day in May.
ReplyDeleteThe poem dates from WWI that ended on this date in 1911. For most of the 20th century this poem was read at many Veteran’s Day ceremonies. I read it myself on one occasion in my hometown.
ReplyDeleteJoe
I know the poem well. In the past, the USA celebrated Armistice Day along with European countries (UK, France) and Canada, but in 1954 the holiday was changed in the U.S. to Veteran’s Day to honor all who served in the U.S. military, both living and deceased. Memorial Day is our national holiday for those who died in service to the U.S. (it’s been around since just after the Civil War, in 1868). Flanders Field is appropriate for Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. To veterans and those who are serving, the two holidays are very distinctive and carry very different meanings and observation.
ReplyDeleteWe will have to agree to disagree. And I suppose you have a beef with lots of bloggers today since I’ve seen Owen’s poem lots of places.
DeleteYou can post what you think is appropriate on your own blog and I’ll do me. How about that?
Joe
Apparently we’re both wring as the president has decided to rename November 11 “Victory Day WWI” (and May 8 “Victory Day WWII” - even though US troops were still fighting the Battle of Okinawa on that date). Celebrations all around!!
ReplyDelete