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17 | Friday, November 6, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Remember In Flanders Fields 100th anniversary In 2015, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the writing of In Flanders Fields and the Second Battle of Ypres. This iconic poem was written on May 3, 1915 by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae during the Second Battle of Ypres, the first time gas was used in modern warfare. Who was Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae? Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was born in Guelph, Ontario, on November 30, 1872. At age 15, he became a bugler in the Canadian Field Artillery and at 17, he enlisted in the local artillery unit commanded by his father, Lieutenant-Colonel David McCrae. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1893 and in 1899, he volunteered to deploy with Canada's contingent to fight in the South African War in South Africa. McCrae retired from the artillery as a Major in 1904. After finishing his B.A. at the University of Toronto, McCrae went on to study medicine, and following his residency, was appointed as Resident Pathologist at the Montréal General Hospital in 1902. After pursuing further studies in England, he returned to Canada, and in 1910, he was the Expedition Physician for the Governor General's trip to Hudson Bay. In September 1914, McCrae volunteered to fight in the First World War. McCrae deployed overseas as with Canada's first contingent as the secondin-command and brigade surgeon of Morrison's 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. As brigadesurgeon he attended to hundreds of wounded and dying Canadian soldiers. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae -- gunner, doctor, and poet -- was moved to write In Flanders Fields on May 3, 1915 after a friend was killed in the midst of the Second Battle of Ypres, in Belgium. The poem was published in England's Punch magazine on December 8, that same year. In Flanders Fields went on to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War and later, became the reflection of remembrance for all wars. We remember . . . The poppy eventually became a symbol at the centre of post-war commemoration in many Allied countries. Today, In Flanders Fields continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries throughout the world. Millions of Canadians wear the bright red poppy to remember and honour the many thousands of their fellow Canadians who lost their lives during war. Provided by the Government of Canada We November 1 1 A Day of Remembrance Kevin Flynn, mpp Oakville Community Office: 2318 Lakeshore Road West, Unit 2, Oakville, ON L6L 1H3 | T: 905.827.5141 kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org | a @MPPKevinFlynn | b KevinFlynnOakville Honouring the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served our country. In Flanders Fields 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. ~ Lt.-Col. John McCrae What are you crowdfunding for? fuellocal.com is an online platform to raise money through crowdfunding: an opportunity for a collection of individuals to make donations in support of a cause. Create your fundraising campaign or help fund local initiatives at fuellocal.com Thank you Veterans! Our Nation's Heroes! We will always remember you. Love from your friends at Start your campaign now! .com WeRemember OAKVILLE ChApEL 103 Reynolds St. 905-844-322 1 where your memories matter wardfuneralhome.com