REMEMBRANCE DAY Monday 11 th November 2013

What are we remembering on Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the Great War ended. The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919 to commemorate the end of the war. King George V initiated a 2 minute silence to remember those who had given their lives. Originally this day was known as Armistice Day.

In modern times On Remembrance Day today we think of all those who have lost their lives in conflict. Conflicts which include WWI, WWII, the Falklands war, the Gulf war and the Iraq war. It also includes the war in Afghanistan in which people are still actively fighting today.

Why wear poppies? The poppy is an international symbol of remembrance. Poppies were the first flowers to grow in the former battlefields in Belgium and France where many soldiers are buried. Their paper thin petals were the first signs of new life and renewal. They inspired John McCrae, a Canadian doctor, to write the famous war poem – In Flanders fields

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 falling 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. John McCrae

The British Legion Poppies are now sold to raise money for The British Legion. This is a charitable organisation who support those who are serving in the armed forces and former soldiers.

White poppies White poppies are also sold and are worn as a sign of respect. The white poppy is a symbol of peace.

Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday is the second Sunday in November. On this day people remember those who have given their lives in war. A number of special remembrance services are held throughout Britain. People leave wreaths and poppies at the Cenotaph to remember the dead.

Mathew 5, Verses Jesus was talking to a large group of people and said “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies’ but now I tell you ‘Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you,’ so you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For He makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you have only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! You must be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect! This is the word of the Lord