Remembrance Day at Royal Russell

 

Remembrance Day marks the day that World War One ended in 1918. In most schools, workplaces and communities across the UK a two-minute silence is held at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. The two-minute silence was originally introduced to commemorate the fallen in World War One. Today it commemorates the fallen from all wars and conflicts and is commemorated by all Commonwealth Countries.

 

On Remembrance Day and the days leading up to it people wear poppies on their clothing. Everyone knows to wear a one, however a shocking number of people do not know why. Wearing a poppy is a sign of respect and is specific to the World War as Poppies grew on the battlefields after the war ended. They are a sign of beauty and new life amongst pain and loss, which relates to the soldiers as they gave their lives for future generations; a new birth in the form of Poppies sprung from their battlefields.

 

This year, Remembrance Day was on a Monday however, at Royal Russell School (RRS), we had two remembrance services. The service on Sunday 10th November, included a beautiful chapel service accompanied by several Royal Russell choirs. Many parents and representatives within the school’s community attended.  After the service everyone congregated outside for a display from the Guard of Honour who are members of RRS Combined Cadet Force (CCF). CCF at RRS has army and RAF sections; The Guard of Honour is chosen from both sections and is usually the most experienced. During the two-minute silence poppies were scattered from the top of chapel tower raining down onto the congregation below. After the service many parents spoke about how respectful and beautiful the day had been and went home to reflect on what they had heard. Overall it was a well organised and planned event.

 

On the Monday morning (Remembrance Day) at 11am another ceremony was held at the Royal Russell memorial, this time with all the staff, students, and Guard of Honour. There was another two-minute silence which was tactfully pulled off despite having the junior school present! Wreaths were laid by heads of school and members of the school community; afterwards everyone left to carry on their day and reflect on the conflicts and lives lost in the war.

 

By Emma Hourihan