A few poppies and a poem for today
Posted: November 11, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 37 CommentsI always think of my dad on November 11. He would have been 100 this year, and was a WWII veteran, although he was too young to serve overseas during the war. Instead he was sent to northern Ontario to serve as a guard in a Japanese internment camp in Angler, Ontario. It’s an experience he talked about often with us, and I think of him often when I look at the inlaid wooden jewelry box that one of the internees made for him in appreciation of his compassion and empathy in that terrible situation.
In Flanders Fields
By 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.
And today is also Veterans Day here in the US.
And it is here as well Gracie.
Thanks for this memory. A poem I always admired.
Always. And an interesting article about the poet in the Globe and Mail today, if you read that.
Thank you for sharing your story about your father and this poem. Both really touched my heart.
Thanks so much Elizabeth.
A beautiful painting combined with John McCrea’s poem and your touching story of how your father was involved in the war. I’ve often wondered how “guarding” Japanese citizens in the internment camps affected the guards.
“To remember is to work for PEACE.”
Jan, it was something he never forgot. In later years, he always hoped to find some of the men that he met there but sadly that never happened.
I don’t know which brought the biggest tear to my eye Shari … your lovely words and story about your dad, or the poem. Both are fitting tributes to those who are gone but still remembered.
Tony, thanks for writing. The poem always makes me cry.
Shari, I love the painting and what you said about your father. My father was the same age and fought in WWII also. He was able to celebrate his 100th birthday in September and lived 26 more days. You are fortunate that your father spoke about his experiences with his family. Many did not.
Thanks again for your painting and remembrance. —-Bettina
Bettina, how fortunate you were to have your father around for so long. And yes, we were fortunate that he did talk about his time there.
Thanks so much for reading, and for writing.
Thank you for the beautiful painting and for the reminder of our war heroes through the poem. Very touching.
Thanks for reading, Kathi.
This is such a beautiful post and lovely painting, Shari! thanks for sharing your Father’s story.
Thank you Joanna.
Beautiful tribute to your Dad, he raised a sweet, caring daughter.
Donna, my parents were amazing people, supportive and loving. I miss them both.
Sweet story about your dad. I feel you miss him. I miss mine too 💗
I miss both of my parents every day. Thank you for writing, Frieda.
You do your father and the fallen justice, Shari. You’re a lovely person. You are your father’s daughter.
this is a lovely tribute to all who served
The poems leaves me speechless every year. Thanks for reading, Beth.
Beautiful verse and painting, thank you for sharing!
And thank you for reading.
Lovely tribute and indeed a moving poem
Bunny, thank you. Miss seeing you!!
Thank you for this beautiful post Shari. Both my dad and Alan’s were in the service-as was Alan for 20 years. We appreciate and honor this day each year.
It’s always wonderful to hear from you. Thanks for having a look and a big hello to Alan.
Very touching. I sometimes feel we are not holding up our end of the bargain by all the strife present today.
A lovely image and a touching sentiment. My dad served in WW2, my grandfather served in both WW1 and WW2 and five of my uncles served in WW2. This is a day to reflect and be grateful.
Maureen, thanks for writing.
Lovely painting to go with the poem! My dad served, but never saw action. He was in a group that was awaiting transport to Europe when the fighting ended.
Joan, thanks for reading. Glad to hear about your dad.
A perfect painting and tribute to your dad on Veteran’s Day. My father is a veteran as well. He’s 96 and happily still with me. Served Army Artillery. Prayers and thanks for your dad and his service.
Thank you Marilyn. You are so fortunate that your dad is still with you.
Thank you. I haven’t heard this poem for a long time, and I always enjoy it. Yesterday I attended our church’s school and heard a wonderful tribute by our children to the veterans. It is inspiring to see that they are being taught to respect and honor those who have protected us!