Commemorative Events

Aim I can describe how and why World War II events are commemorated and plan a commemorative event of my own. Success Criteria I can say what commemoration means and explain why it is important. I can tell you some World War II events that are commemorated each year. I can explain why we should commemorate different events and aspects of World War II.

Commemorative Events Think back to lesson 1 when you learnt about some key events in World War II. What events can you remember? Why were these events particularly significant? Why do you think it is important to mark the anniversaries of these events today? When we gather together to pay our respects and remember the people and events of the past, it is known as commemoration. Often special ceremonies, speakers, readings and re-enactments are combined to create a commemorative event.

Commemorative Events Every year, special celebrations are planned to honour and remember the people who helped the Allies to win the war. This did not happen at one particular time. The eventual success was due to the cumulative impact of a large number of different events and victories, and sadly, also the loss of many lives. The wartime events took place at different times throughout the war and so separate commemorative events acknowledge and celebrate these events on different anniversaries. Have you ever been to any special remembrance services or other commemorative events?

Commemorative Events Look at the pictures and dates. Can you work out what key events or aspects of the war are being commemorated? Click an image to find out. VE Day: 8th May VE stands for Victory in Europe Day. It is when people celebrate the end of World War II in Europe. Remembrance Day (all wars): 11th November The remembrance services and selling of poppies began to commemorate those who had died in World War I (1914 – 1918). Today we remember all those who have fought or died in any war. Battle of Britain: 15th September Impressive aerial displays, services and celebrations mark the anniversary of the allied victory in the Battle of Britain. D-Day: 6th June Thousands of allied troops stormed onto the beaches of Normandy on this day in 1944. It marked the beginning of the liberation of France from Nazi German control. Evacuation from Dunkirk: 26th May – 4th June Commemorative events mark the anniversary of the mass rescue of thousands of allied troops in 1940. these events do not necessarily take place every year, but on special anniversaries. Holocaust Memorial Day: 27th January Special events help people remember and pay respect to those who suffered or died during the holocaust. The 27th January 1945 was the date the Auschwitz Concentration Camp was liberated.

Commemoration and Celebration Complete the Commemoration and Celebration Activity Sheet to see if you can recall each of the commemorative events.

Reasons to Celebrate How important is it to mark events from the war with commemorative services and celebrations? Roberto and Daisy have been discussing this question. What do you think? Men and women fought and died in World War II. They died protecting the freedom of millions of innocent people. Without them, the world today might have been different. I think remembering what happened and celebrating victory is very important. I think it’s nice for the old veterans to remember what happened and meet up every year, but I don’t see why it should matter to me. I wasn’t there and it was so long ago now anyway. I think we should concentrate more on what’s happening in the world today.

Work with the other children in your group. Reasons to Celebrate Although Daisy is right to want to focus on what is happening in the world today as well, I hope you agree with Roberto that commemorating those who dedicated their lives to fighting for justice and freedom during World War II is very important. Work with the other children in your group. What words or phrases can you think of that represent the qualities of those who fought in World War II? Click on the clouds for some ideas. respect tenacity sacrifice freedom valour

Reasons to Celebrate Can you think of your own words to help create a special commemoration word cloud? You may like to include pictures too.

Commemoration Time Share your ideas and discuss. What makes these good ideas?

Aim I can describe how and why World War II events are commemorated and plan a commemorative event of my own. Success Criteria I can say what commemoration means and explain why it is important. I can tell you some World War II events that are commemorated each year. I can explain why we should commemorate different events and aspects of World War II.