I photographed this today.....made me sad but awe inspired too....

[Rocketeer]

Cheers.....the field is even more red in the sun tonight

 

[proton45]

"remembrance"

Nice picture...

 

[Readie]

Yes indeed.I grow poppies on our grass bank at home, I love the colour and the historical connection, sort of makes me sad but, proud if you understand me.
Tomorrow is the 11 November.
John

 

[rochie]

not seen a field like that for ages, great photo Tony

 

[evangilder]

I think the poppy is one of those things that has pockets of places where it is known. I remember poppies from way back as a kid, but I come from a long line of warriors. Here in Moorpark and around Ventura County, you see them a lot. The picture is a nice one, and I can see where it elicits an emotional response. I was in a flight today for the Veteran's Day marathon in Santa Barbara. When the #3 pulls up with smoke for the missing man, I well up every time. Poppies can do that to a lot of people as well.

 

[Rocketeer]

Thanx for sharing thoughts guys. On the 11/11, I remember not only those that died in the cause of freedom, but also the veterans who survived.

 

[parsifal]

"How to Die"


Dark clouds are smouldering into red
While down the craters morning burns.
The dying soldier shifts his head
To watch the glory that returns;
He lifts his fingers toward the skies
Where holy brightness breaks in flame;
Radiance reflected in his eyes,
And on his lips a whispered name.

You'd think, to hear some people talk,
That lads go West with sobs and curses,
And sullen faces white as chalk,
Hankering for wreaths and tombs and hearses.
But they've been taught the way to do it
Like Christian soldiers; not with haste
And shuddering groans; but passing through it
With due regard for decent taste.

Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967)
(British War Poems)

 

[Rocketeer]

There is something amazing about poems written by those that were there.

 

[Donivanp]

The Unknown Soldier
by Billy Rose
There's a graveyard near the White House
Where the Unknown Soldier lies,
And the flowers there are sprinkled
With the tears from mother's eyes.
I stood there not so long ago
With roses for the brave,
And suddenly I heard a voice
Speak from out the grave:

"I am the Unknown Soldier,"
The spirit voice began,
"And I think I have the right
To ask some questions man to man.

"Are my buddies taken care of?
Was their victory so sweet?
Is that big reward you offered
Selling pencils on the street?

"Did they really win the freedom
They battled to achieve?
Do you still respect that Croix de Guerre
Above that empty sleeve?

"Does a gold star in the window
Now mean anything at all?
I wonder how my old girl feels
When she hears a bugle call.

"And that baby who sang
'Hello, Central, give me no man
Can they replace her daddy
With a military band?

"I wonder if the profiteers
Have satisfied their greed?
I wonder if a soldier's mother
Ever is in need?

"I wonder if the kings, who planned it all
Are really satisfied?
They played their game of checkers
And eleven million died.

"I am the Unknown Soldier
And maybe I died in vain,
But if I were alive and my country called,
I'd do it all over again."