As the Great War raged on in Europe, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea, (pictured above) a Canadian Physician from Guelph Ontario, visited the gravesite of his good friend Alex Hemer to pay his last respects. As he looked around, he noticed that the only thing growing amongst all the crosses, were poppies. As he sadly gazed at the final resting place of the fallen soldiers he was inspired to write his immortal poem, “In Flanders Fields.”
After enduring the butchering of Mr. McCrea’s poem at a Remembrance day service a few years ago, my old bandmate, from The Jury, Bruce Walker, (shown below) disgustingly headed home, plugged in his guitar, turned on the tape recorder and give the famous poem a melody.
Bruce’s version of “In Flanders Fields” which he dedicates to all the fallen soldiers, is now in the Lt. Col. John McCrae museum in Guelph and is being played at more and more legions each year during their Remembrance Day services.
It’s beautiful and very haunting, Bruce, and know this, we “The Jury” were with you in spirit as you recorded it.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
In Flanders fields.
So, George, I meant to ask you at the reunion if (since you have shown interest in Flanders Field and the poppies there)…IF you are aware of the late Jacque Brel’s song, MARIEKE. He is my favorite composer, who is Flemish…and, thus, well aware of Flanders. The song was part of the Broadway musical about his works. I am putting the link to Elly Stone’s singing of that song. She was in the musical with it. Enjoy (turn up sound / it’s quite low): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_wHuw9ze4Q
Thank you, Jack, my main interest in Flanders Field is two-fold. Bruce was our singer in The Jury and the poem was written by a Canadian.
Thanks George. The song is not only in the Lt. Col. John McCrae museum in Guelph Ontario for visitors to hear, but is being played at more and more Legions during their Remembrance Day Services. My son Curtis provided the technical elements of the recording and added in some harmonies. I’m glad it is being noticed.
Take care, I would be happy to email a copy of it to all who read your blog if they prefer.
Bruce
It’s a beautiful piece, Bruce.