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4d • 🚨 Attention
🚨 The Man Behind “In Flanders Fields” 🇨🇦
I grew up reading and reflecting on the poem “In Flanders Fields” every November.
But I wasn’t taught (or at least don’t remember being taught) much about the man who wrote it.
His name was John McCrae and his story is one worth remembering. ❤️
John McCrae was born in Guelph, Ontario, in 1872.
He was a doctor, a teacher, a poet and a soldier.
He was also a man of strong Christian faith who cared deeply about people and animals.
When the First World War began in 1914, he was 41 years old.
He had already served in the South African War, but he volunteered again, this time as a medical officer with the Canadian Field Artillery.
In the spring of 1915, he found himself near Ypres, Belgium, during some of the fiercest fighting of the war.
Day after day, he cared for wounded soldiers while surrounded by death and destruction.
Then, on May 2, 1915, something happened that would lead to one of the most remembered poems in Canadian history.
His close friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed.
He was buried in a simple grave marked by a wooden cross.
And among the crosses marking the graves of fallen soldiers, wild red poppies were beginning to bloom.
The following day, May 3, John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields.”
Can you picture that?
A doctor who had spent his days trying to save lives, standing among the graves of men he couldn’t save.
And finding words that would help generations remember them.
His poem was published in December 1915 and soon became a powerful symbol of remembrance.
Those little red poppies would eventually become one of the most recognized symbols of military sacrifice around the world.
But there’s another part of his story that I learned as we read his story with our family.
John McCrae didn’t make it home from the war either.
He continued caring for wounded soldiers in France, eventually becoming the physician in charge of medical services at a Canadian military hospital.
In January 1918, he became seriously ill with pneumonia and meningitis.
He died on January 28, 1918, at just 45 years old.
He was buried with full military honours in France.
His beloved horse, Bonfire, led his funeral procession, with McCrae’s riding boots placed backward in the stirrups.
What a beautiful, poignant detail.
A man who loved words, cared for the sick, served his country and lost friends he loved.
And more than 100 years later, children are still learning his poem.
I was one of them.
And then I taught it to my own children. ❤️
Today, as we remember those who served and sacrificed, I’m grateful that John McCrae gave us words that have helped keep their memories alive.
I’m curious.
Did you memorize “In Flanders Fields” growing up?
Did you learn the story behind the poem?
Or is there another poem, song or tradition that has helped your family remember those who served?
I’d love to hear what has stayed with you. ❤️
Lest we forget. 🇨🇦
If you’d like to learn more about John McCrae, here are some wonderful resources.
🇨🇦 Veterans Affairs Canada | John McCrae’s Life Story
🇨🇦 Veterans Affairs Canada | 10 Quick Facts About In Flanders Fields
🇨🇦 Parks Canada | John McCrae, National Historic Person
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🚨 The Man Behind “In Flanders Fields” 🇨🇦
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