Who Is the Foe Now?

In 1915 ,  John McCrae, a field hospital doctor in World War I, saw a close friend die in battle. The next day, death was his muse as he wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields”. We all know the poem – it is recited in town squares all over this land each Memorial Day.

Take a moment to hear the poem again this memorial day: In Flanders Field.

And as you do, think about the words: “Take up our quarrel with the foe”.  In 1915, we personalized the foe: we saw people and nations as the enemy. We live in a different world, now. Are our foes really defined by national boundaries? Instead, aren’t our true foes those who plan our enslavement, ruin and destruction through whatever means they have available – financial, military, political, commerce. Our foes are those whom would thwart our fundamental rights and liberties and mock our fundamental values.

So, do take up the quarrel with the foe. Just understand that the foes we have today are more cunning, sinister and hidden than they were in 1915.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween 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.