"history and meaning for Aussies, NZrs and so many" Ieper by angiebabe

Ieper Travel Guide: 464 reviews and 1,301 photos

the poppy symbol - amongst the barbwire - Ieper

First visit to Ypres 2001

I wanted to visit Ypres for its history of so many allied soldiers who died here, our significance of the poppy to symbolise the regard we give to the memory of those who died and especially for our ANZAC day memorials developed here.

Now its 2008 and it is the 90th anniversary this year of the end of the Great War - 11th November 1918 - a significant date to remember the sacrifices of that hundreds of thousands of British and Commonwealth Servicmen made - not just at the Western Front, but at Gallipoli and in the Middle East as well.

Here beside the ramparts of the Menin Gate Memorial Ypres - the only place in the world where the fallen of the Great War are remembered each day - the Royal British Legion is planting a 'Flanders Field' of poppies - printed poppies with messages from all over Britain.

Return to Ypres July 2007

plaque at the cemetary named after the poppy poet

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 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

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD,
Canadian Army (1872-1918)

John McCrae is remembered for what is probably the best known and most popular of all World War 1 poetry. He was so moved by the death of Lieutenant Alexis Helmer who had been killed by a shell burst, and inspired by the profusion of wild poppies he could see in the nearby cemetary, that he wrote 'In Flanders Fields'. Sadly John McCrae died from pneumonia whilst on active duty in 1918.

old bunker&bomb holes from WWI Hill 60 war zone

Pros and Cons

Pros:a centre of history, 300,000 soldiers died in WWI Belgium and so poignant, but well kept cemetaries and reminders, much provision for the traveller to see sites, daily Last Post rain or shine,ongoing respect for the dead and their descendants living

Last visit to Ieper: Jul 2007
Intro Updated Nov 2, 2008
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Reviews (4)

Hill 60/62 significant WWI site Things to Do (4)

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driving tour around the Ypres WWI sites - Ieper

driving tour around the Ypres WWI sites Things to Do (4)

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the bugler of the Last Post with his bugle - Ieper

be there to hear the bugler at Menins... Things to Do (4)

A large memorial with 55,000 names of the 300,000 or more who died without named or marked graves - roam and feel the... more travel advice

roam around the ramparts Things to Do (4)

from menins gate walk along the pathways that follow along the ramparts and defence system of the area, nice trees and... more travel advice

Comments (11)

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mindcrime Aug 20, 2012 at 7:44 AM

we spent much more time inside the museum than the memorial but I guess the ceremony must been interesting too
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balhannah Dec 20, 2011 at 6:50 PM

We were here this year, but only had time to see the Town and not the War memorial's.
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Greggor58 Aug 28, 2011 at 11:04 AM

I can understand why you've made more than one journey to Ieper..spending time here in this lovely community I think can really change your perspectives on things..I havent seen the film but I noticed that "Beneath Hill 60" has just recently been released here in the video stores..an Australian film about the men that dug the tunnels used to blow gaps in the defenses..
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jumpingnorman May 23, 2009 at 3:48 AM

That's a lot of people who died during the war...God bless their souls, Norman :)
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Herwig1961 Jan 22, 2009 at 12:32 PM

Sad place but should never be forgotten.Thank you for sharing!
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Pawtuxet Nov 22, 2008 at 7:47 AM

Glad you were able to attend the ceremony. These memorials are important and moving.
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mtncorg Aug 26, 2008 at 11:12 AM

The commemorated of a century ago on fields long away from home. Well done.
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DAO Jul 6, 2008 at 2:23 PM

Somber looking place
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Doctor38 Nov 12, 2007 at 2:09 PM

thanks for sharing
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wandeljp Oct 21, 2007 at 1:02 AM

Hi Angela, thanks to visit my "Vezelay"page. I hope you had great time in Ieper. Let me know next time: It's with pleasure I meet you , guide if you will or host.You are welcome. J.P.