In Flanders Fields

Canada's most famous war poem

In Flanders Fields is one of the most famous poems from the First World War. Canadian doctor and soldier John McCrae wrote this poem on 3 May 1915. Within months, its powerful words came to symbolize the sacrifices of all those who were fighting. It also established the poppy as an international symbol of remembrance. Over 110 years later, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and around the world.

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.

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