1. War Memorials
Why do we still need to remember events from so long ago?
This assembly explains the human cost of war and emphasises the need for Remembrance around the subject of war memorials.
Source a picture of a war memorial local to your school (

2. The Cenotaph
Do you recognise this structure? This is the Cenotaph in London. It was built in 1919 for the first anniversary of the end of World War One – Armistice Day.
Every year around the country, people hold ceremonies in November to remember those killed and injured in all wars since the First World War

3. Why do you think it became important to build war memorials?
During the First World War, people who were killed in the battles such as soldiers, doctors, ambulance drivers and nurses often were buried near to where they were killed.
That meant their relatives at home could not easily go and visit the graves to put flowers on them.

4. War Memorials
Memorials such as the Cenotaph became the place that people could go to instead to honour their dead.

5. The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
The Scottish National War Memorial commemorates nearly 150,000 Scottish casualties in the First World War, ( ), more than 50,000 in the Second World War, ( ), and the campaigns since 1945.
Can you think of some more recent wars?
Can you think of some more recent wars? These include the Korean War, Northern Ireland, the Falklands War and the Gulf War.

6. The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
The Memorial is to be found in Crown Square at the very top of the rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands.
In 1927 the architect Sir Robert Lorimer and 200 Scottish artists and craftsmen created the Hall of Honour and Shrine, where the names of the dead are contained in books on permanent display.

7. Do you recognise this memorial?
This memorial commemorates the people who were killed in World War One from this (name) area. Memorials like this are in most towns and villages across the UK because so many people were killed or injured.
Insert picture of your local war memorials here. Search through
Show another war memorial from your own area.

8. War Memorials
There are no towns or villages in Scotland that were left untouched during the First World War- every single one lost a member of their local community.
These memorials exist to remind us all of the sacrifice made by those who fought.

9. Moment of Reflection
All around the UK, Commonwealth countries and across the world, there are memorials about war. These memorials remind us of those who fought.
It is because of those individuals from all across the world that we are able to have the lives we do today.
Every time we see a memorial we should remember those individuals who sacrificed so much for us.
I am now going to read a poem about a war memorial.

10. THE WAR MEMORIAL by S J Robinson
A war memorial, standing straight
And proud against the sky
Issues this challenge, demanding still
Of those who pass it by
Do you recall men went to war?
These bodies that I guard?
Did you learn the lesson that they left?
Or legacy discard?
Most men fought and some men died
Some wounded, some remain
Optional-poem

11. THE WAR MEMORIAL By ignoring that, you're not saving lives
You're killing them again!
They suffered long-in trench and pit
For principles they believed-
That sacrifice prevents repeat
--And were they all deceived?
I am not here to glorify war
Or justify it's right;
I am just here because men believed
Their death could make your future bright?

12. Additional supporting classroom activity:
Download the following resources from
War Memorial Challenge (Teacher/Practitioner/Students’ notes)