Lest we forget... 11.11.11

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
by John McCrae, May 1915

These crosses were planted in the village Remembrance Garden by the older children in my school, after they had written the names of those who had died in the village during the first and second world wars. This was then followed by the whole school observing the 2 minutes silence at the garden at 11am.


Three beautiful things:

1. Pride - I was incredibly proud of all the children from 4 - 11yrs as they showed their respect and marked the 2 minute silence. Even the youngest children understood how important this was.

2. Recognition - a head from another school visited the school today and was completely blown away by the transformation in just a term and a half. It is blooming hard work but absolutely worth it - children getting the best education that they have a right too!

3. Simplicity - spaghetti on toast! Haven't had it for years but really fancied it for tea tonight. It definitely did not disappoint - it was simply delicious.

One thing to be grateful for:
I am alive because others were and are brave enough to die for me.