Every year, on the 11th day, of the 11th month at the 11th hour we remember.
We remember those who have fallen and those who remain as part of Canadian’s military service. This year, Remembrance Day will go back to . . .
being celebrated as an assembly in most places. Hopefully, most children will attend a school ceremony in honour of Remembrance Day.
Families with children who are not in school may be able to find a ceremony commemorating soldiers in their town. In Shawville the service usually starts at 10:45 at the Cenotaph at the corner of Main St. and Clarendon Rd. I know that some classes from local schools will attend.
Remembrance Day can be difficult to discuss with younger children. When I worked with kindergarten children and with my own children I usually chose to focus on the poppy. The poppy is such a beautiful symbol that represents all those who have fought for our freedom.
Not only do we recite the poem In Flanders’ Field but we also make poppies and wear them. I love being able to buy our poppy locally and we make sure to have one for every family member.
Easy ways to make poppies for younger children include painting red poppies with a black centre or drawing poppies and then covering them with red tissue paper and a black center. I’ve also seen a neat idea where you use red hand prints to form the poppy and add a black center. Having poppies up around the house can also be a nice reminder of Remembrance Day.
To help younger children understand why we thank soldiers and veterans, I have tried to find a way that won’t scare them but also make them understand the sacrifices they make for each of us and our country. Some of the things we discuss are that often soldiers have to leave home for long stretches of time to go to other countries to help other people be safe like us. Almost always that brings up how sad it is for them and their family and how scared they must be to be so far away. As they get older, there is so much more they should know, but for now this sacrifice, although only one of the sacrifices they make, is one that little kids can truly understand.
There are also many children’s stories that you can read with your child to discuss this topic, some may be available at your local library. A poppy is to Remember – Heather Patterson, Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion – Jane Barclay. I have found these two to be great resources to use with young children. There are quite a number of books that are ideal for older children, a quick search online will give you many titles.
I also think its an important time to remember any of your relatives who fought for our country. As our children get older I relay the stories I heard as a young girl about my great- uncles and grandfather’s courageous battles for our country. The discussions are not easy ones to have, but are so important in our days where so many of us have feelings of entitlement. People continue to work for our freedom and we cannot take it for granted.
To all veterans, soldiers and families of veterans and soldiers I thank you for your service.
On Remembrance Day let us all take a moment to stop, remember and thank the men and women of our armed services.
