In Flanders Fields – 100 years past on Veterans Day

Nov. 9, 2018  PLYMOUTH VOICE.

Plymouth Michigan News

Don Howard

Staff Writer

One hundred years ago, on November 11 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – millions of men laid down their guns.

This was Armistice Day, the end of World War I-known as the Great War and the War to End All Wars. Fought from August 1914 and into 1919, the cost was the devastating loss of life for more than nine million combatants and six million civilians. Millions more were wounded and maimed for life.

Of those who perished, five thousand were Michiganders, including nine individuals from Plymouth who made the ultimate sacrifice. In 1940, the City of Plymouth erected a World War I memorial in their honor. Last month the City Commission approved a proclamation commemorating the service and sacrifice by those members of the Plymouth community who perished.

On July 13, 2018, Governor Snyder signed into law Public Act 97 of 2017 creating a 13- member Michigan World War I Centennial Commission, calling attention on the part of all Michiganders to the immense contribution and sacrifices. Plymouth Township Trustee Jack Dempsey was named a member of the commission.

As the World War I fades further into time it is now a day for contemplation, reflection and introspection; a day to grieve, remember and honor those of our parent’s generation, and the citizens and veterans of all wars who fell in conflict.

This Sunday on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. communities across the country will mark the cessation of World War I a century later with an Armistice Bell Ringing Ceremony, including downtown Plymouth, where a ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Church and Main Street.

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 Mc Crae 

Plymouth Voice.