In Flanders fields.

Around 175 miles north of Paris and 46 miles west of Brussels lies one of the most well-known cemeteries for our nation's veterans whose bodies remain near where they fought. Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial near Waregem, Belgium is the resting place for 368 military dead who sacrificed their mortal souls to liberate Belgium in World War I. These sacred grounds were memorialized by John McCrae's immortal poem "In Flanders Fields." The "poppies of Flanders fields" have been an enduring symbol of the sacrifices of veterans. Artificial Forget-Me-Nots are used by DAV Departments and Chapters to raise funds to support efforts to build better lives for disabled veterans and their families.

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.