The Brooding Soldier

The Brooding Soldier is a memorial near Ypres for 2000 Canadian soldiers who were killed by the first German gas attacks on 22-24 April 1915.  It is a peaceful and sombre place that is very moving.

John McCrae was a Canadian poet who, as a doctor, voluntarily signed up for service.  He wrote "In Flanders fields" after been to the funeral of his friend during the second battle of Ypres.  

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.

John McCrae

May 3, 1915