Collective Worship



Collective Worship

Title: Remembrance Day: the red poppy

Theme: War and Peace: Remembrance

School: Secondary

Term: Autumn Term

Summary

The importance of Remembrance Day, and the symbolism of the red poppy.

Teachers’ Notes

Occasion: Remembrance Day

Instructions:

The PowerPoint presentation should run with the story. ( ) indicates where the slide needs to move on to the next. To attract the pupils’ attention, we recommend that the first picture is on display as the pupils enter.

We suggest a copy of the British Legion’s DVD for Schools is used alongside this Act of Worship. To obtain one, please click on the following link .uk. Or alternatively, a copy should have been sent to your school’s History Department.

The Main Text

(Picture 1)

You will have noticed that many staff have been wearing a red poppy recently – and I’ve noticed that many of you are wearing one today, too. I wonder how many of you know why the poppy is associated with Remembrance Day?

The first official poppy day was held in Britain on 11th November, 1921. It was inspired by a poem called ‘In Flanders’ Field’, written by John McCrae.

(Picture 2)

Flanders in France was the scene of some of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. The red poppy was one of the few flowers to grow amidst all the fighting and bloodshed.

The First World War ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. People wanted to remember those who had given their lives in the cause of peace and freedom.

(Picture 3)

An American War Secretary, Moina Michael, inspired by John McCrae’s poem, began selling poppies to friends to raise money for the many soldiers who had returned from the war injured and unable to work. And so the tradition began.

(Picture 4)

People still wear the red poppy to remember those who have lost their lives because of war. The Royal British Legion has been responsible for running the annual poppy appeal which continues to raise money for ex soldiers and their families who are suffering because of war. Today, over 10 million people are eligible for help from the Royal British Legion.

(Picture 5)

Wearing a red poppy is a memorial to those who died in two World Wars, and to those who continue to give their lives in countless wars since then. It’s also a practical way of supporting those who are still alive and in need of help.

(Picture 6)

A two minute silence has been observed at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month since the end of the First World War, almost 100 years ago. When we bow our heads to remember, we not only remember those who died all those years ago, we also remember those who have died in more recent conflicts. Today, with troops on duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world, Remembrance is as important as ever.

This short clip shows how buying a red poppy helps support the many who are still suffering today because of war.

Show British Legion DVD clip

So, wherever you are at 11am next XXXday, make sure you keep the 2 minutes’ silence. The whole country will stop to remember those who gave their lives to safeguard the freedom and security we now enjoy.

Remembrance Day is our chance to pay respect to people who have been killed in warfare, whenever and wherever it may be, and whatever government sent them to their deaths. It is a time we can set aside to consider the devastating impact that intolerance, bigotry, arrogance and violence can have on us as individuals, as communities, and as countries.

Shall we keep a moment’s silence now, before we listen to the trumpet sound of the last post which traditionally accompanies the 2 minutes’ silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

(TRUMPET on Legion DVD/CD ROM)

LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, as Remembrance Day approaches, we remember the millions who died in order that we might have better lives. We also remember everyone who is suffering today because of war, and give thanks for the work of charities like the Royal British Legion who seek to help them. Lastly, we remember those who live under conditions of war today, in fear and pain. Give them strength in their suffering, keep them safe, and give those in authority the will to work together for peace. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord AMEN.

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