11/11/1918 ~ 11/11/2018
Today is Remembrance Sunday. A century has now passed since the signing of the armistice, marking the end of the First World War.
11/11/1918 ~ the day the guns fell silent along the Western Front, and four long years of fighting came to cease.
‘The war that will end war’ ~ H. G. Wells
On the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, a two-minute silence is held every year to observe and remember all who have fought and lost their lives in war, both past and present.
Above: ‘Poppies: Weeping Window‘, Installation. Here at Hereford Cathedral in April 2018. Part of the 1914-18 NOW, WWI centenary commemoration #poppiestour.
Explaining Remembrance Day to children
Recently, a friend told me that her seven year-old daughter had asked why we wear poppies and what Remembrance Sunday means.
She didn’t really know what to say or how to explain it. So she asked if I knew of any age-appropriate books or films to give her an overview.
I’ll be honest, I was fairly stumped! She’s a mature kid, but still, she’s only seven.
How do you explain, to a young child, the concept of ‘poppy day’, and the importance of remembering those who fought in a World War that took place 100 years ago?
(If you’ve any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment and let me know. Thanks!)
Last weekend, I watched the film War Horse (2011), based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo. I’ll admit, I cried.
It’s an incredibly well told story depicting the perpective of the English, French and Germans during WWI, via war horse Joey who travels throughout Europe, encountering numerous owners.
I had previously read War Horse the novel as well as Private Peaceful, also authored by Morpurgo. Though I wouldn’t recommend these titles for a seven year-old, they are, I feel, brilliant for anyone wanting to know about the effects of the Great War on individuals, families, relationships and communities.
(What books or films would you recommend for primary school children who want to learn about WWI and Remembrance Day?)
~ Please do let me know how you are spending this Remembrance Sunday ~
~ Are you attending a service?
~ Will you be thinking of relatives who served in war?
~ Do you have children with questions of their own?
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