www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, November 10, 2016 | 30 In 2016, we commemorate the 101st anniversary of the writing of In Flanders Fields and the Second Battle of Ypres. This iconic poem was written on May 3, 1915 by LieutenantColonel John McCrae during the Second Battle of Ypres, the rst 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 ght in the South African War in South Africa. McCrae retired from the artillery as a Major in 1904. After nishing 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. lander e d In September 1914, McCrae volunteered to ght in the First World War. McCrae deployed overseas as with Canada's rst contingent as the second-in-command and brigade surgeon of Morrison's 1st Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery. As brigade-surgeon 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 sacri ces of all who were ghting in the First World War and later, became the re ection of remembrance for all wars. We remember . . . The poppy eventually became a symbol at the centre of postwar 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. In Flanders elds the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, y 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 elds. 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 elds. ~ Lt.-Col. John McCrae What are you crowdfunding for? crowdfunding for? fuellocal.com is an online platform to raise money through crowdfunding: an opportunity for a individuals to make donations in support of a cause. opportunity for a collection of individuals to make donations in collection support of aof cause. Create your fundraising campaign or help Create fund local initiatives at fuellocal.com your fundraising campaign or help fund local initiatives at fuellocal.com What are you fuellocal.com is an online platform to raise money through crowdfunding: an 103 Reynolds St. 905-844-3221 Start your campaign now! Start your campaign now! .com where your memories matter wardfuneralhome.com .com SPRIGGS INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED reMeMBerinG THose WHo fouGHT Mississauga 416-798-7527 Burlington 905-681-4035 Call us for all your insuranCe e needs oakville 905-844-9232 Fax 905-845-1634 e-mail: info@spriggs.ca LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 50 YEARS. GOLD Business Hours Mon - Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm Weekends By Appointment