The music of Edward Elgar “Nimrod” from Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” was playing as the children quietly entered the assembly hall. Mrs Graves explained that this music has become synonymous with this time is that it was a piece of music that Elgar wrote it as a token of friendship for a special friend who had inspired him at low points within his life. Every year, it is performed at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the annual National Service of Remembrance, held on the 2nd Sunday of the month. This march unites veterans and civilians who remember those in all the services who have lost their lives in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.
The children watched a short video that explained that this was a special day in which we remember, reflect and respect those that have made this ultimate sacrifice.
Isla and Simran in 6B then shared with the children that people wear poppies leading up to and on Remembrance Day because they grew on the First World War battlefields once the war was over. The Royal British Legion use the symbol of the red poppy to represent hope and remembrance. They also shared that some people choose to wear a white poppy which represents a commitment to peace and nonviolent solution to conflict. The black poppy was launched in 2010 to commemorate those civilians, servicemen and servicewomen of different nationalities who have contributed to the war effort. The black poppy signifies pride, honour and glory. The purple poppy represents animals that lost their lives serving in the war such as horses, dogs and pigeons. The money raised is donated towards animal charities. The poem “In Flander’s Fields” by John McCrae was read out in the hall.
We all closed our eyes and heard Isla say a prayer which thanked those who have protected our freedom and sacrificed their lives in wards and conflict, and all those who continue to protect us today.
Everyone stood to hear Mrs Jones play “Last Post and Reveille” another piece of music symbolic in its association between the soldier’s last duty of sitting sentry (death) and his rising above his mortal duties (reveille). The last note of “Last Post” marked the beginning of our minute’s silence of reflection.
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.
