As a school, this week we join millions of people across the country and around the world in marking Remembrance.

Each year, we remember all those who served and lost their lives in wars and conflicts, particularly the two World Wars and those that have followed.

On 11 November, at 11 o'clock, a two-minute silence is observed across the country. We also wear poppies as a symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poppies that grew across the battlefields of Flanders after the First World War.

But Remembrance is about much more than ceremonies or traditions. It is about people. Behind every statistic was a real person. Someone's son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father. Someone with hopes, dreams, friendships and a future they wanted to live.

Approximately 1.7 million British and Commonwealth military personnel lost their lives across the World Wars and subsequent conflicts. We must never allow the enormity of that number to make us forget the value of each individual life.

Many made extraordinary sacrifices. They faced fear, danger, separation from their families and the possibility they might never return home. Some gave their lives; others carried the physical and unseen wounds of conflict for years afterwards. We should never underestimate their courage, commitment and sacrifice.

Remembrance invites us to honour those who gave so much and to treasure the peace we have today.

In John's Gospel, Jesus says:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

^{John 15:13}

For Christians, these words point towards the extraordinary love Jesus showed in giving his life for the world. They also remind us of the selflessness and courage shown by those who put themselves in danger for others.

Most of us will never be asked to make a sacrifice on that scale. Remembrance is not just about looking backwards. It challenges us to consider the world we want to build.

Jesus also said:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

^{Matthew 5:9}

Reflection:

How can we honour the sacrifices of others through the way we live? How can we show greater kindness, courage and compassion?

Let us take a moment of quiet.

Prayer

Father God,

We remember with honour and gratitude all those who served and sacrificed their lives in conflict. We remember their families and all who mourn.

We pray for everyone caught up in conflict today. Bring comfort to those who suffer, protection to those in danger and hope to those living in darkness.

Help us to live out the love of Jesus: to show kindness, stand up for what is right and become peacemakers in our school and wider world.

May your light shine wherever there is darkness, and may we never take for granted the precious gift of life and peace.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

 

*Public Domain image