Remembrance Day and the sale of poppies at playtime prompted a sensitive Junior assembly service recently at Burgess Hill School for Girls.  Year 6 reminded everyone of the horror of war and the effects it had on the family – with the trauma of frequent air raids, rationing and evacuation.  The girls explained how the poppies that grew in the sea of devastation in Belgium during the First World War have become the symbol of remembrance.  The last post was sounded and the memorable verse from the poem “For The Fallen” was read aloud:   

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:

      Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

      At the going down of the sun and in the morning

      We will remember them”.

Even though they are still so young, the girls are beginning to understand the importance of the sacrifice made by those who fought and continue to fight for the freedom we enjoy today. It’s an annual but essential lesson for us all – whatever our age.

14/11/07

Remembrance Day Assembly