The Library has a large number of books especially on World War I and World War II. Material particularly related to Canada is in the 971.061 and 971.063 sections. More general works are in the 940.4 and 940.53 sections.
On May 3 1915 during the battle of Second Ypres a Canadian Army Surgeon John McCrae penned the following words:
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.
This poem has become a one of the most important poems of a generation. It helps us remember the sacrifice of many men and women in two World Wars, Korea and many United Nations’ missions, who gave their lives for their country. Each year on November 11 we remember these men and women. Their sacrifice helped ensure that we are able to enjoy our present rights and freedom.
You can look up the CWGC record for John McCrae. He died on the 28 of January 1918 and is buried in France.
Garibaldi Secondary School, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
