New Rush Hall School marked Armistice Day today by pausing for a 2-minute silence at 11am.
Armistice Day has been observed annually since 1919. Held at 11am on 11 November, the silence coincides with the time in 1918 at which the First World War came to an end and is observed at war memorials and in public places throughout the UK and Commonwealth.
In Flanders Fields, is a poem written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who was moved by the sight of the poppies in Ypres following the death of his good friend. As a result the red poppy has become a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community. The poppy is a well-known and well-established symbol, and carries a wealth of history and meaning with it. Wearing a poppy is still a very personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support.
It is important for our pupils to learn the importance of why people participate in Remembrance Day Services and show respect by observing the two minute’s silence, on Armistice Day. Commemorating such days is an important part of understanding British Values.
So today, during Lesson 3, a Big Ben chime played over the tannoy system at 11.00am to begin our Armistice Day moment of reflection and silence and the Last Post began at 11:01am until the end of the silence. All of our staff and pupils took part in this very important tradition, which annually marks the end of WWI, by stopping what they were doing, standing still and being silent, which is a thing some of our pupils can often find very hard to do.