They are only four lines, but they sum up, for me anyway, the essence of Remembrance Day. They are known as the Act of Remembrance and are usually recited by a veteran after the minute of silence.
Many people who are familiar with the words are not aware that they are but one stanza from a poem by Robert Binyon called For the Fallen. By far the most powerful stanza in the poem, it is easy to see why it was adopted for Remembrance Day. Binyon, a poet from England, tried to join the army for the Great War but was told he was too old. He ended up in France anyway, as a volunteer with the Red Cross, and he was exposed to many many casualties.
I remember, as a little kid, my grandfather giving the Act of Remembrace at the Remembrace Day services at home. I can see him in my mind's eye, in his Legion baret, reciting those words. I will be reciting them at our service this Tuesday.
Or trying to. At a run through last night with the Cadet Colour Party and Darcy, I tried at least three times. Each time my voice broke and I had to push down the emotion I was feeling.
They shall not grow 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.