Music spot for Remembrance Sunday: O Valiant Hearts

"O Valiant Hearts" performed at the Menin Gate memorial by Mezzo-Soprano Emma Brown and the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Air Force.

During this hymn the Commonwealth War Graves Commisison released 20,000 poppy petals to flutter down from the gate.


Lyrics

O valiant hearts who to your glory came
through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
as you had heard God's message from afar;
all you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
to save mankind - yourselves you scorned to save.

Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
into the light that nevermore shall fade;
deep your contentment in that blest abode,
who wait the last clear trumpet-call of God.

These were his servants, in his steps they trod,
following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, he rose; victorious too shall rise
they who have drunk his cup of sacrifice.

O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
whose cross has bought them and whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
commits her children to thy gracious hand.

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