Gordon Alexander Poet Free verse

100 Years On

One hundred years ago in 1921
The 15th of May a new charity begun
Amalgamating  charities of which there were  4
The Royal British Legion set up to aid those from the great war.

Earl Haig and Tom Lister were the founders.
Supporting those back from Flanders 
1.75 million of those that returned
Had some form of disability from amputee or minds totally burned 

Then there were those wives, widows daughter's and sons.
Who's Husbands, Fathers lives had succumbed 
There lives taken by the enemy 
The RBL emblem became the Flanders poppy 

The poppy is the symbol of Rememberance
For the sacrifice of life, so peace had a chance
Every conflict since the great war
More recentely Afghanistan, Iraq, some more obscure 

Korea, Malaya, Oman and The Falklands
Servicemen and women put lives in others hands
So comemerate their passing on Armistice day
11th November sit quietly and pray

Without these sacrifices in all these wars
The world would have broken that's for sure
So every year stand still and reflect
Those that died deserve your respect

Those that survived may be stood in your town
Looking sorrowful and feeling down
The best thing you can do is show your support
Words from Brigadier Marriot " Do as you ought"

Bow your head when you hear that bugle play
Stand still and watch those on parade this Rememberance Day
Someone in your family`s history 
Will have been effected by a catastrophe

Join in be proud of your countries past
Hopefully all these sacrifices are finished at last
But if not, and more wars happen
Support those military men and women

The have no choice whether to stay or go
Orders are followed, allegiance they show
For Queen and country they will fight
For your freedom and human right.

Remember them is all I say.
For your Tommorow they gave their today

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Beata Agustin January 27, 2026 at 2:31 AM Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.

Quoth Theraven December 16, 2021 at 8:12 AM Gordon, 100 years on, yes, they're all rooting for us. Hoping for a push in the new year, another sure to have gains as well as losses. I no longer ask the road to straighten for me. Just better knees and shoes for the journey. Best wishes for you on yours friend. -Richard Gordon Alexander August 8, 2022 at 5:45 AM i concur Richard, and thank you for all your positive comments on my work.

Quoth Theraven December 11, 2021 at 7:52 AM Hello Gordon, I got my poppy from a veteran outside a grocery store last month in remembrance of those who gave all they had. Now, I'm glad to enjoy the holiday season and share in it. Just wonder if veteran's appreciate it a little bit more. Happy Christmas. -Richard