Education in Faith News 

Remembrance Day

What is Remembrance Day?

Remembrance Day (also called Armistice Day or Poppy Day) is a Memorial Day celebrated in Commonwealth countries, such as Great Britain, Australia and Canada. It’s celebrated every year on November 11th. Remembrance Sunday is also celebrated, and this is held on the second Sunday in November each year.

Why do we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11?

Remembrance Day, on November 11th, marks the anniversary of when World War One ended. It ended on November 11th 1918 at 11 am, which is why many people hold a two-minute silence at 11 am on this day. The War was officially ended with the signing of the Armistice, which is why the day is also called Armistice Day.

Remembrance Day gives people the chance to remember those who fought and lost their lives during the war and honour their memory. It makes sure that we never forget the past, and that those who died didn't die in vain.

Why is it important to celebrate Remembrance Day?

After so many years, your young students may be wondering why it is important for us to celebrate and mark Rememberance Day. In summary, it is all about memory. During WW1 there were around 20 million deaths and 21 million wounded in both the armed forces and civilian communities. Therefore, Remembrance Day is a day to honour and remember their lives and their sacrifices.

How do we celebrate Remembrance Day?

There are lots of different ways to celebrate Remembrance Day and remember the soldiers from the First World War, including:

1) Wearing Poppies

We wear poppies in November in honour of the soldiers who fought on the battlefield. Poppies have become an important symbol for the war because the flower grew in Flanders, Belgium where important battles were fought. They also feature in the famous war poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by John McCrae.

Leading up to Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday, paper poppies are sold to raise money to support serving, ex-service personnel and their families. Poppy wreaths and decorations are also laid on war memorials by the Royal British Legion.

Get students involved and make your own Poppy Paper Craft to commemorate Remembrance Day for kids.

2) Ceremonies

On November 11th, there are ceremonies and memorial services across the UK at war memorials and churches. The Royal Family and important politicians gather at The Cenotaph in Whitehall, London for a memorial service every year.

These ceremonies have grown to remember all people who have died in wars, including World War Two and the Iraq wars, not just World War One.

Other Masses/Liturgy

• Graduation Mass – Wednesday 14th December @ 6pm
• End of School Year Mass on Wednesday 7th Dec @9.15am 

Family Masses – 5pm Saturdays

• 12th Nov – Prep

Dara Blake 

Religious Education Leader