This coming Wednesday marks 97 years since the armistice was signed and at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the guns fell silent and world war one ended. Armistice day was originally a day to remember those who died during the first world war.
After World War Two, November 11th also became Remembrance Day, some of you may know it simply as Poppy Day. At 11am the country will fall silent for two minutes as we bow our heads and remember those who fought bravely and gave their lives during both world wars and in any conflicts since such as in Korea, Northerrn Ireland the two Gulf Wars, Afghanistan and The Falklands.
Today is Remembrance Sunday. This morning, up and down the country, and across the commonwealth, parades were held, poppies were pinned to coats and wreaths & wooden crosses were laid at cenotaphs to mark our remembrance of those who have fallen in battle.
For the younger generations, who have never seen the threat of war face to face. These parades and silences may seem unimportant. Something ‘not for them’ but for the older generation. Some people even believe that enough time has passed that we should lay the World Wars to rest.
Whilst it is true that the ranks of world war veterans decreases with each passing parade, each year sees more and more younger veterans joining those ranks, they have lost brothers in arms too. Some people don’t seem to realise that this is a time to remember all those who have died in recent history, in the last few decades, are still dying now, to make the world a better place. For us, for everyone. Should we forget them too?
Although the fighting today is nothing more than an image on a TV screen for most, no worse than most films and computer games, it doesn’t make it any less relevant. It doesn’t mean we should forget. If anything it means we should make a concious effort to teach them about the world wars, the whys and the wherefores (age appropriately of course). We should ensure the memories are never forgotten to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
This morning E&Ff took part in their first remembrance parade. They have learnt about the wars in school for many years now, but today was their first chance to stand with their fellow army cadets to pay their tribute. I did the same when I was a cadet, as did Lee. I was so very proud to see them marching with their detachment.
Did you or your children take part in a remembrance parade or service today? Do you believe we should continue to remember those who have died in battle on November 11th?
Heledd - Running in Lavender says
November 9, 2015 at 12:33 amOur little Poppy was born around this time three years ago, which is how she got her name. This week Lili came home from school and asked if she could have some money to buy a Poppy. I asked her if she knew what it was for and her answer shocked me, she said “yes, it’s to remember all the soldiers that died to save our country”. This from a five year old – amazing, I felt really proud and gave her a pound to buy a poppy.
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Becky says
November 9, 2015 at 7:21 amOh it breaks my heart year after year…will ensure my children understand too
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Jacqui Brough says
November 13, 2015 at 12:00 amIt breaks my heart every time it comes around, and it’s something we should always remember!
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Sarah Bailey says
November 13, 2015 at 12:02 amOh you must have been so proud – I don’t think I will ever forget the Remembrance Sunday I spent in Belgium while at school x
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Laura Hartley says
November 13, 2015 at 12:19 amHow very true! Little thought is given to recent wars on this day, which is a shame as so many have given their lives to the service in places such as Afghanistan etc..
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Tori Gabriel says
November 13, 2015 at 3:07 amIt is so important that we remember. I make sure I buy a poppy every year (in fact, I end up buying four or five as the little buggers end up getting lost).
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Ickle Pickle says
November 13, 2015 at 6:50 amOh how proud you must be! We must remember thise who died for our country. I used to take part in the service with The Guides but my children haven’t. Kaz x
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StressedMum says
November 13, 2015 at 7:02 amMy Daughter has taken part in parades in the past when she was in cubs and scouts, I have told her about what the days is and what rememberance day is all about, and she has always brought her own poppy.
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Ana De- Jesus says
November 13, 2015 at 7:12 amYou must have been so proud, those men sacrificed a lot to save their country and secure the safety of the generations to come.
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Stella says
November 13, 2015 at 8:39 amWe must continue to remember those who gave their lives so we might live.
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Daniella says
November 13, 2015 at 8:46 amI think it’s incredibly important to remember the sacrifice each year. My family and I always go and watch the parade in our town.
Jenny says
November 13, 2015 at 10:51 amI think Remembrance Day is really important. I was a little upset that my son had assembly on the 11th and it was all about Divali rather than Remembrance Day.
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Kim Carberry says
November 13, 2015 at 1:52 pmThe look so smart….You must have been so proud!
It is so important to remember this each year!
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whatlauraloves says
November 13, 2015 at 10:05 pmYou must have been so proud 🙂 I think its so important for younger generations to know about the war and those who protect our country xxx