Churches across the country are joining in Remembrance Sunday commemorations in honour of all those that have served and sacrificed on behalf of the nation in each World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
Many churches will participate within the national two-minute silence at 11am and say prayers during their services in remembrance of the countless individuals from Britain and the Commonwealth who’ve paid the last word sacrifice, in addition to those currently serving, their families, and those that have lost their lives because of this of conflict or terrorism.
Many clergy will likely be collaborating in wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials up and down the country.
The Church of England in Lancashire is sharing specially produced video content filmed on location at South Ribble War Memorial near Lostock Hall with the assistance of schoolchildren from nearby Cuerden Church School, their headteacher, Nicola Sherry, and the Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North.
The memorial includes a striking 9m tall curved steel structure in front of a reconstructed WWI trench. It commemorates WWI casualties from across the South Ribble area.
In the video, schoolchildren explore the memorial and find out about WWI before joining in prayer with Bishop North.
The bishop said he was “delighted” to fulfill with children from the local school and listen to about their war projects.
“Remembrance is a moment to pause, to honour and to learn. It’s not nearly looking back – it’s about recognising the courage and sacrifice of others and letting that shape how we live today,” he said.
He continued, “When young people participate within the annual remembrance commemorations and learn what all of it means they create fresh energy and intending to these traditions.
“Their presence reminds us that remembrance isn’t only for the past – it’s for the longer term too. My prayer is that this generation will carry forward the values of peace, kindness and community, inspired by those that gave a lot.”
Bishop North added: “We give because of God for the sacrifices of many brave men and girls in all wars and conflicts and we can even remember in our prayers those still serving their country today within the armed forces; for his or her continued safety and for his or her families who support them.”
Nicola Sherry, headteacher of Cuerden Church School, said the diocese’s video project was a “meaningful way” for the youngsters “to attach their recent studies concerning the war with real-life reflection”.
“They asked thoughtful questions, listened fastidiously and showed real respect for the stories and sacrifices of others.“
“We’re proud to be a part of a community that values remembrance, and it was wonderful to see our young people engaging so positively with it.”
In Scotland, the village of Eaglesham in East Renfrewshire is playing host to a spectacular exhibition of 15,000 knitted and crocheted poppies.
The group behind the display was led by Mary MacInnes of Eaglesham Parish Church, 74, who has been crocheting for 60 years.
The poppies have been laid within the garden of Kirkstile Cottage and pinned on the wall it shares with the church. They spell out the words “Lest We Forget”.
Poppies have also been pinned to the wall on the front of Eaglesham Parish Church, outside the nearby parish church hall, and at St Bridget’s Roman Catholic Church.
Mrs MacInnes said that the red poppies represent fallen combatants, while purple poppies are for animals that died in conflict, and white poppies represent non-combatants.
The project first began in 2018, and more knitted and crocheted poppies are added annually.
“Our annual display in memory of the fallen is now made up of 15,000 poppies, in memory of those that made the last word sacrifice and in honour of all those that have served,” she said.
“Most of them are red for military personnel and we have now white on display to honour non-combatants equivalent to medics and clerics, anybody who made a vow of not harming one other person.
“I might say they were the bravest of the brave, because they were in war zones but they’d no weapons and just needed to depend on their faith in God.”
Mrs MacInnes said it was vital that younger generations learn the teachings of the past.
“It’s not going to be very long before I won’t be here telling people about what happened throughout the wars,” she continued.
“Soon there is not going to be anyone from my generation left and the fear is future generations won’t have an interest enough to inform their children what happened.
“But I’m so heartened by the variety of grannies and oldsters who visit the garden with young ones and explain the importance of the poppies and why they’re there.
“The display is to try to keep the notice and the conversations going and it seems to work a treat.”
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