A time to remember

This week we have been focusing on the importance of remembering all those who have served their country in times of conflict. Our annual act of remembrance is always very powerful and the children engage in it in a very thoughtful and respectful way. This year we held our remembrance service in school  and as usual it was led by Sami, Sharon and Kate. Our reflections focused on being grateful and thankful for all those who love us and have made a difference in our lives as well as wider significance that the poppy so powerfully represents.

Over the last couple of weeks the year 6 children have been selling poppies and by doing so raising money for the Royal British Legion. This is an amazing organisation that serves all those effected by the impact of conflict, seeking to bring new life and hope into situations that have been impacted and sometimes devastated by the loss of loved ones, injury or the impact of the stress that such situations produce. The stories of how individual lives have been impacted by their work, gives even greater significance to the poppies that we wear. This is an active form of remembrance, that seeks to bring good out of each situation, bring light into darkness and hope that a different future is possible. 

All of these things make the wearing of the poppy such an important thing. It remains a powerful visual reminder of the need to ensure that such sacrifices are not forgotten and that all of us have a responsibility to ensure that the opportunities, rights and freedom that these sacrifices were made for and will continue to be made for on our behalf, remain all of our responsibilities to preserve.

As the Flanders field poem reminds us – it is our responsibility to carry the light. A light that was purchased at great cost. 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.