Lest we forget

For the Fallen
by Laurence Binyon

Originally published in The Times on 21 September 1914. — Excerpted from Ode of Remembrance on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

FOR THE FALLEN.

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

April 25 is Anzac Day in New Zealand and Australia - our Memorial Day, the anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corp" troops landing at Gallilopi in Turkey, 25 April 1915. Here's some background for anyone interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day