By the Revd Alan M. Barker
To appreciate the importance of
shared memories and Armistice Day. Bible link: Matthew 5.3-10 (Jesus' famous
sayings called the Beatitudes help us to remember how happiness can be found
Preparation and materials
- You will need a 'memory display', consisting of a British Legion poppy
and other items associated with memory, e.g. a photograph, a diary, an
appointments calendar, a fridge magnet, a Post-it note, a video, a knotted
handkerchief, an electronic organizer, a floppy disk, a newspaper clipping, a
war-time medal. All the items need to be arranged so that they are clearly
visible to all the children, but to begin with they are carefully covered with
- Tell the children that you are going to test their memory. Show the
objects in the memory display for just a short while. Ask one child to recall
as many as they can, while you compile a list of things remembered. Explain
that he or she will probably need the help of others to remember everything -
ask other children to help until the list is completed.
- Point out that the children had to help one another to remember, and
that the items displayed were all associated with memory. Talk about some of
the items, highlighting their significance. Some help us to remember and plan
for future events. Others assist us to remember past events and people. Who
keeps a diary or uses an electronic organizer
- What special times and experiences do the children recall? We can all
remember both happy and sad experiences. Remembering helps us to learn from the
past and to plan for the future. The sharing of memories is an important part
of family, school, and community life.
- Focus on the poppy and explain that it helps us to remember those who
lost their lives or were injured in wartime. The Poppy Day Appeal, organized by
the Royal British Legion, helps those ex-servicemen and women who continue to
suffer as a result of wartime injuries, and it also helps their families.
Explain that the poppy was chosen as an emblem after the First World
War (1914-18). Thousands of soldiers fought in France and many lives were lost
in trench warfare. (A photograph might help everyone to understand.) Each
summer poppies grew in the soil churned up by the fighting and their colour
spoke of the blood which had been shed. War memorials in almost every town and
village list the names of those killed, and so help us to remember how the war
brought sadness and disruption to so many homes. Refer to a local war memorial
and, if appropriate, the phrase 'Lest we forget'.
- Conclude by talking about the silence observed at 11 a.m. on Armistice
Day, 11 November, and in church services on Remembrance Sunday. It is a way of
remembering not only past events but also the suffering that war continues to
bring to the world today. Some will remember heroes, others will mourn friends
whose lives have been lost. It's important that in this way we help one another
to remember. The sharing of memories strengthens our community life. If
appropriate, build a time of silence for this purpose into the reflection
Invite the children to quietly remember a happy time and to be
thankful for it. Ask them to recall a difficult time and to remember friends
who helped. Ask them to remember others in need of help because of the
suffering caused by war.
We thank you for
the gift of memories that we can share together.
Help us not to forget the
feelings of others.
May we heal painful memories through kindness
create better, happier, memories for tomorrow.
'Make me a channel of your peace'
(Come and Praise, 147)
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