IN FLANDERS FIELDS -- poem by Lt.Col. Dr. John McCrae, music by Willard Bond

I was born in the same town as Lt.Col. Dr. John McCrae, which is one reason I've long felt a kinship with the man. I learned his poem while singing in the school choir and have recited it at every possible opportunity since then. Earlier this year a new melody "arrived" that I was happy with, so I recorded it and played it for a few friends. They liked it, so I put it up on iTunes and other download sites. The idea for the video came soon after in one of those creative flashes. Encouraged by more friends, I got a volunteer crew together and did shoots over two Saturdays. All through the process, despite the usual battalion of obstacles, there was a constant feeling of progress and achievement, encouragement and (dare I say) duty.

I hope it helps you remember.

My thanks to the cast & crew - Calandra, Tina and Erwin, Mark and Charity - and to my friends at Strategic Coach (for the trouble, the space and the camera).

Please thank a veteran and remember our warriors honourably.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• remembrance
• day
• memorial
• soldier
• army
• sailor
• navy
• airman
• airforce
• military
• world
• war
• one
• two
• boer
• passchendaele
• d-day

[ccdg1066]

Very well done - Thank You!

[willodious]

@ccdg1066 Thanks for your comments - I'm glad you liked it. And thanks for Remembering.

[ThePattiw]

Hey Willard, I listened to this and I really like your voice. The video is good too, not too sentimental but captures the feeling! Hop Thompson is doing well!

[willodious]

@ThePattiw Thanks very much! (Thoms is coping thanks to his many cat-treats, thanks again.)

[jensww22]

It is truely amazing how many people here actually seem to believe that the Allies of WWI were fighting for freedom and democracy against an evil enemy. Don't they know any better or are they looking for cozy comfort in the blissful ignorance of the majority? Depressing!

[willodious]

@jensww22 This song and video are intended to show my gratitude and respect for those who suffered and died in all wars. It is my understanding that politics mean very little to a soldier under fire, and politics have nothing to do with this presentation.

[willodious]

@melon21298 -- Thanks so much for checking it out. I'm very glad you liked it and most appreciative for your Remembering. Be well.

[willodious]

@excursustoo -- Thanks so much for your comment! I've very glad you liked it. Thanks for Remembering.

[excursustoo]

Thank you. well done. So moving.

[melon21298]

Wow. What a great video. Thank you.