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For the Fallen

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description For the Fallen Overview

“For the Fallen” is a poem by Laurence Binyon first published in 1914 during World War I. It’s an elegiac recitation honoring those who died in service. The fourth stanza, focusing on soldiers' continued existence beyond death, gained widespread recognition and remains a central verse in Remembrance Day observances across the British Commonwealth. It is primarily for audiences seeking to commemorate military sacrifice and reflect upon themes of loss and remembrance.

help For the Fallen FAQ

Who wrote the poem 'For the Fallen'?

The patriotic ode was written by the English poet Laurence Binyon. He composed the poem in September 1914, just after the outbreak of World War I. At the time, he was working at the British Museum in London.

Which stanza of Laurence Binyon's poem is famous for Remembrance services?

The fourth stanza of the poem is the most widely recited memorial verse in British Commonwealth Remembrance services. It features the iconic line, 'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.' This stanza is traditionally recited at the conclusion of memorial parades.

Where did Laurence Binyon write the famous fourth stanza of 'For the Fallen'?

Binyon famously drafted the poem while sitting on a cliff edge on the north coast of Cornwall. He was too old to enlist in the military, so he used his writing to contribute to the war effort. The dramatic, rugged coastline deeply influenced the poem's somber mood.

What is the primary purpose of the ode 'For the Fallen'?

The poem was created to honor the British soldiers who had already died in the opening battles of the First World War. It serves as a solemn tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by the military. The text specifically references the sounds of gunfire and the tragedy of mass casualties.

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