High Flight

During World War II, my grandfather served as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy.
When he passed away in 2003, we read this poem at his memorial service.
Here's hoping you all have a peaceful and thoughtful Veterans Day/ Remembrance Day this year. We have so much to be thankful for, but so much work is left for our women and men in uniform. If we can honor them today and every day, we can begin to appreciate the sacrifices so many have made.

High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft thro' footless halls of air.... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor even eagle flew— And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee No 412 squadron, RCAF Killed 11 December 1941