Remembrance and Veterans Day

Following the excitement of Halloween and Fireworks night, we all need a bit of calm. Too many costumes, sweets, sparklers and firecrackers are starting to fry us and our children’s brains... Luckily, it just so happens that there’s a chance for us all to take some time out of the busy autumn term to reflect on some of the more serious things in our recent history.

On Friday it is Remembrance Day - and we will be celebrating a minutes silence at 11am at my school to reflect on all those people who’s lives have been affected directly and indirectly by all conflicts all around the world both in the past and today. Both of my grandfathers fought in the Second World War, and I was lucky enough to visit the First World War trenches at Ypres and the Somme on a history trip when I was 15 years old. The same age as hundreds of thousands of boys who gave their lives in the First World War.

This song is designed to provide an opportunity for children to engage and understand the importance of the 11th November. The lyrics provide lots of key vocabulary and plenty of discussion points, and also the haunting melody evokes the spirits of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. I really hope that you enjoy it as much as my schools children and I do.

Lest we forget.