By Felicia Mirza, Sinaia, Thame’s twin town in Romania
Dear Thame friends,
On the 11th month, on the 11th day, on the 11th hour we will all remember our heroes, those who died for their country, those who believed in freedom, those who believed in their dream.
We will remember them because without our past, without our heroes, we wouldn’t enjoy our life today.
They died young, they did not have the time to grow old.
They died young, they didn’t have time to love.
They died young ….the youngest authenticated British soldier in World War I was only 12 years ,Sidney Lewis ,who fought in the battle of Sommes in 1916.
The whole world will always remember them.
Poets made them young forever through their never-ending love.
John McCrae ,a poet and a doctor during the war, was looking for his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer ,who was killed during the Great War,May,2nd,1915 and buried in a makeshift grave.
Wild poppies were beginning to bloom in Flanders Fields, among the crosses, separating graves with their flowers. That was when McCrae got the inspiration for his poem.
I think the poppies were tears of blood, dropping from the eyes of families, friends, lovers , tears which touched the soul of everyone.
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae
Below is a translation of “Imnul eroilor’ (Hymn of Heroes) into English.
I am grateful to the one who translated the hymn into English.
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.
More than 100 years have passed and the poppies are a symbol of remembrance of war.
A cornerstone. A thought and a hope lest we forget.
Back home, in Romania, we also commemorate our heroes.
We also think of them with love and gratitude. We have many poems dedicated to our heroes .
Below is a translation of “Imnul eroilor’ (Hymn of Heroes) into English.
Hymn of Heroes
Lyrics : Iuliu Rosca Domidont
Music :Ionel G.Bratianu
Sprinkle on their graves, laurel flowers,
To sweeten the sleep of our fallen heroes.
Ascended upon the pyramid of their undying fame,
Written in golden books, their undying chant!
The children in your arms, comfort them with this song,
Proudly telling them stories, of the heroes' deeds
Unveil the whole truth, and may you tell everyone,
How our brothers died, for their people and their land.
And on their sacred tombs, shed tears and flowers!
To sweeten the sleep, of the thousands of fighters.
Ascended upon the pyramid of their undying fame
Written in golden books, their undying chant!
The children in your arms, comfort them with this song,
Proudly telling them stories, of the heroes' deeds!
Unveil the whole truth, and may you tell everyone,
How our brothers died, for their people and their land!
Lest we forget
