The music of Edward Elgar “Nimrod” from Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” was playing as the children quietly entered the assembly hall.
The children watched a short video that explained that the annual National Service of Remembrance is held on the 2nd Sunday in November and it is a special time when we remember, reflect and respect those that have made this ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that we now have.
Mrs. Graves explained that the Royal British Legion used the symbol of the poppy as it represents hope and remembrance. The children in 4G then joined her to convey to the school many facts regarding the poppy, including;
- It has been a symbol of Remembrance for over 100 years.
- Donations from poppies help families who have lost loved ones and those that have been injured or wounded in conflicts to aid their recovery.
- The first poppies did not have leaves on them and now poppies are now plastic-free which means they can be recycled.
The poem that inspired the use of the poppy was read to the school by our Head Boy, Xander –
In Flanders Fields
The poem by John McCrae
In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders’ fields.
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.
We would like to thank everyone who has purchased a poppy during this week leading up to Remembrance Sunday helping the British Legion to support those veterans in need.
All the children have also made the poppies within their classes for our whole school display to commemorate this time of reflection, respect and remembrance.
The children gathered together once again at 11 o’clock to join the two minutes silence on the terrace with the nation.
