"Ypres" Ieper by kathymof

Ieper Travel Guide: 464 reviews and 1,301 photos

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

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.

For more information on "In Flanders Fields", go to http://www.greatwar.nl/frames/default-poppies.html

For reply poems to "In Flanders Field", go to http://www.greatwar.nl/frames/default-replypoems.html

Ypres and Flanders - A Visit to World War I

Menin Gate from along the river

Ypres is famous for the Menin Gate which is a beautiful and touching memorial to the servicemen and servicewomen who lost their lives in World War I. The whole of West Flanders is covered with reminders of World War I but there is a high concentration of memorials, cemeteries, museums and historic sites in the immediate area of Ypres. There was intense and brutal battles between British Commonwealth and German armies in this area. These included some of the first use of gas by the Germans. Ypres was pretty much destroyed during the war and has been rebuilt. A visit to the cathedral will provide a glimpse of what the devastation looked like. The Cloth Hall, near the cathedral, has a museum dedicated to World War I.

Last Post at Menin Gate

Last Post Plaque

There is a "Last Post" ceremony at Menin Gate every evening. It is a very somber ceremony and everything just stops when it happens. It is very emotional moment for all involved - even those who participate on a daily basis. It is especially emotional after you have visited the battlefields and cemeteries of West Flanders and learned about the extreme horrors these men and women endured during the battles in this area.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Makes you appreciate those who fight for freedom
Cons:Brings out the real horrors of war
In a nutshell:Give Peace a Chance - please visit to remind yourself

Last visit to Ieper: Jun 2004
Intro Updated Jan 27, 2008
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Reviews (4)

Yorkshire Trenches Things to Do (4)

This is an area where a group of trenches and underground rooms was found. They have been restored and are open to the... more travel advice

St. Martin's Cathedral in Ypres Things to Do (4)

The cathedral was essentially destroyed during World War I and has been rebuilt to what is high quality and accuracte... more travel advice

Flanders Canadian War Memorial at Sr. Juliaan - Ieper

Canadian Memorial Things to Do (4)

This is a haunting memorial to Canadians who lost their lives in the Flanders area during World War 1 more travel advice

Tyne Cot Cemetery Things to Do (4)

Tyne Cot is the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in Flanders. There were originally over 1000 cemeteries in the area and... more travel advice

Comments (4)

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wandeljp Jun 7, 2009 at 12:15 AM

I live near Passendale, and I feel the emotions when people come to the last post you so rightly describe . And I did know that women fight here in '14 '18. Must know more about this! But Belgium have more to offer, you're always welcome.
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leics Mar 4, 2009 at 10:30 AM

Emailed you before I read your comment, sorry! Red is the only colour, I think. I bought a small book of war poetry for the ladies from Louisiana. It is still so very important. Best, J
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jumpingnorman Feb 21, 2009 at 10:04 PM

I want to see these trenches --- so much history (I'd get claustrophobic though)...Norman :)
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gilabrand May 9, 2007 at 2:58 AM

Very interesting tips, Kathy. I have been to Commonwealth cemeteries in Jerusalem and Beersheva.