Marking the 100th Anniversary of John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields
Celebrating the iconic poem and its significance in Canadian history
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was born November 30, 1872 in Guelph, Ontario. Primarily known for his famous poem titled In Flanders Fields, McCrae has gained worldwide recognition for his iconic work that captures the experience of war and dealing with loss in an enduring and tremendously impactful way.
McCrae prominently served in World War I as a surgeon for the 1st Brigade of the Canadian Field Artillery. In May 1915, McCrae penned the now famous poem In Flanders Fields during the historic Second Battle of Ypres. The month long battle in Western Belgium marked the first military use of chemical warfare on the Western Front – a tactic which ultimately demonstrated the true strength and bravery of the Canadian Forces, who defended their line successfully against the invading German attack.
The McCrae House, which now stands as a museum preserved by the City of Guelph, holds various mementos and belongings of John McCrae. The McCrae House has become a tourist attraction for many people who are fascinated by the story of John McCrae. While McCrae’s contributions to Canadian history are typically limited to his service in the Canadian Forces, he was also a well-respected figure by his friends and colleagues alike.
“Think of it, [McCrae was] a poet and a scientist and a soldier – a scholar, a gentleman, a Christian, a fine fellow, generous, unselfish, a tireless, aggressive worker,” said Professor William Caldwell, a friend of McCrae’s during his time at McGill University.
His legacy as an important figure in Canadian history remains evident to this day through his poetry and his spirit – providing many citizens with an insight towards the brutality of war and the personal effects it can have on the individual. Presently, the poem is widely recited worldwide during Remembrance Day as a way to honour those who have fallen.
Tammy Adkins, Manager of the Guelph Civic Museum, noted the importance of John McCrae to the cultural and historical identity of Canada.
“Having knowledge of the history of our community and our country is very important for all citizens. We learn important lessons from those who have come before us; lessons that inform decisions we make as individuals and as a community in moving forward. [Historical] knowledge contributes to our sense of place and sense of community, instills pride and wisdom, and inspires innovation,” said Adkins in an interview with The Ontarion.
Undoubtedly, the story of John McCrae has brought awareness to the importance of compassion and community throughout the City of Guelph. With In Flanders Fields having international recognition, members of Guelph can remember John McCrae with a sense of pride.
“Guelph is so proud to be the hometown of John McCrae. His story is a really remarkable story about a regular Canadian boy who grew up to be an accomplished doctor, soldier and poet, and who had tremendous and enduring impact on the world. His is really is inspiring story on so many levels. For Guelph, there is a great sense of community pride around McCrae’s accomplishments. Beyond that, there is world-wide interest in the McCrae story, and as a result McCrae House has great appeal to tourists, drawing people from all over Canada and abroad. This certainly results in economic benefits for Guelph and for local businesses that cater to tourists,” said Adkins in regards to the influence of McCrae on the Guelph community.
All across Canada, celebrations and memorials of John McCrae took place to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of In Flanders Fields. On May 3, a statue of John McCrae was unveiled at Green Island Park in Ottawa to further demonstrate McCrae as a national symbol for exemplary Canadian bravery and courage. Further, the City of Guelph is planning to unveil a McCrae statue of its own. The new statue, set to be unveiled on June 25, will be located next to the Guelph Civic Museum.
The 100th anniversary of In Flanders Fields marks a special occasion for all those who have been effected by McCrae and his legacy. McCrae’s spirit and artistic merit lives on within the City of Guelph, whose citizens dearly admire and respect the essence of community and individuality in accordance with one another. In celebrating the 100th anniversary of McCrae’s influential poem, a variety of events are being held by the city in order to promote and raise awareness of McCrae’s life and legacy.
John McCrae Programming and Events
Mar. 27–Aug. 9 Remembering In Flanders Fields Art Exhibition at Guelph Civic Museum
Jun. 23–Aug. 30 Daily Tea & Tours at the McCrae House
Jun. 25 John McCrae statue unveiled at Guelph Civic Museum
Jul. 2–Aug. 8 A Night in Flanders outdoor one act play at McCrae House
Aug. 21–Nov. 15 Fighting In Flanders exhibition from Canadian War Museum on display at Guelph Civic Museum
Sept. 27 John McCrae’s Guelph Tour
Oct. 2–Oct. 10 In the Footsteps of John McCrae: Commemorating 100 Years of In Flanders Fields Tour of France and Belgium
Nov. 11 Remembrance Day services by Royal Canadian Legion and John McCrae Public School at the McCrae House and Memorial Gardens