Even though it has been several decades since the end of WWI, some still remember and honour the Red Cross nurses who helped tend to the wounded on the battle fields. As it remains the case today, those who wear the Red Cross proudly help those who need it most, without taking sides. It’s one of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross.
You may not know much about those Red Cross nurses, but for one veteran from New Brunswick, a song serves as a reminder of their humanitarian actions. John Stevenson performed Rose of No Man’s Land in Fredericton for a number of years with members of the Legion and now sings the tribute to Red Cross nurses in Saint John. He recently visited Saint Patrick’s school and was proud to share the song with another generation of Canadians.
The song was originally penned by two Americans: lyrist Jack Caddigan and songwriter James Alexander Brennan, in 1918.
Watch the video to hear the song and check out some photos from the Red Cross’ past. You can even sing along – the lyrics are below:
The Rose of No Man's Land
I've seen some beautiful flowers,
Grow in life's garden fair,
I've spent some wonderful hours,
Lost in their fragrance rare;
But I have found another,
Wondrous beyond compare.
There's a rose that grows on "No Man's Land"
And it's wonderful to see,
Tho' its spray'd with tears, it will live for years,
In my garden of memory.
It's the one red rose the soldier knows,
It's the work of the Master's hand;
Mid the War's great curse, Stands the Red Cross Nurse,
She's the rose of "No Man's Land".
Out of the heavenly splendour,
Down to the trail of woe,
God in his mercy has sent her,
Cheering the world below;
We call her "Rose of Heaven",
We've learned to love her so.
There's a rose that grows on "No Man's Land"
And it's wonderful to see,
Tho' its spray'd with tears, it will live for years,
In my garden of memory.
It's the one red rose the soldier knows,
It's the work of the Master's hand;
Mid the War's great curse, Stands the Red Cross Nurse,
She's the rose of "No Man's Land".