The school gym was a sea of poppies this morning, for a ceremony that gets more and more moving as I get older. This year, a sweet group of 4 and 5 year-olds sang Imagine, and my first tear fell. Then, the brilliant A Pittance of Time played on the screen, and my cheeks got wet. After the reading of Flanders Fields, Honoured Son, and the lighting of the candles, the laying of the wreaths, and the two minutes of silence, another video, this one made by some grade 8 students a few years back, played to the still silent crowd. Called Every Soldier Was Once a Child, it used archival footage of old students and some from the war years. It is that video which affects the students most strongly, because they are able, even at their tender age, to realise that youngsters before them played in the same yard, walked the same halls, and went off to far-away lands a few years later, some giving up their lives for freedom and country. I could see it in their eyes when we talked afterwards- they get it, and they understand how lucky they are to live in better times.
When I was their age, Remembrance Day was a day-off from school, and we observed it much more casually, if at all. I am quite glad that someone made the decision in the last 30 years, or whenever it was, to make sure that children don't in fact get the day at home, but come to school to attend the service. They learn about the sacrifice of the generation before them, and of our current soldiers, many of whom are in harm's way around the world, keeping the peace and still fighting in Afghanistan. In so doing, let's hope they will grow up to strive for peace.
You can find our school video here.
7 comments:
AM, you are right, there should be school so the children can learn the meaning of Veterans Day.
Great post.
xx
Beautiful sentiment - although I am not a fan of war, we have all lost people to it.
It sounds very moving, Anne-Marie, especially observing that moment when they "get it".
Interestingly enough, I used to have to have to attend to school on Rememberance Day in Quebec, and now my children have the day off - it is considered a Statutory Holiday in BC.
I had to work yesterday and was interrupted just before 11:00 when Jenny called. She was upset because Bobby refused to accommodate her and turn off the sound to his video game so Jenny could honour her two minutes' silence... sibling rivalry at it's best. I spoke with Bob and he said he would turn it down - and also take two minutes. They both understand the importance - lest we forget.
I turned the TV on (yes, I have a TV, a stereo with sound surround, a fireplace, sitting area, L-shaped couch, full kitchen, wet bar, etc in my office...) and watched the ceremony broadcast from Ottawa.
As in every year, tears flowed freely.
xx
It's a difficult day to observe here in NL because they do not celebrate it at all. 5 May is the day, and that is observed, but the 11 November is just another day, and poppies have no meaning. I miss the tradition I grew up with. Your service sounds unbelievably moving, and it's wonderful that the pupils can see videos and hear poetry or readings they can relate to.
I am of the school that believes all the losses should be mourned on all sides. No single soldier, airman or sailor should be forgotten, whether he or she be from the allied forces or the other side. None of them wanted to be there; they all deserve our respect.
I must say I feel grateful that Imagine continues to evolve. Makes me tear up to imagine 4 and 5 year old children sang this.
When I was a child I don't recall a single day to acknowledge war veterans yet I have a paper poppie from England, from years ago now I don't want to think. I don't wear it only because it is frail by now, but it is saved.
let's all strive for peace.
Beautifully written, Anne-Marie.
This is not something that's celebrated in Finland either, though for a different reason than in, say, NL: Finland was formally on the side of the losers after the war...
"a ceremony that gets more and more moving as I get older" - totally sums up how I feel.
Whereas I've always supported the silence, and worn the poppy, these days I also get positively choked up.
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