With what words do we remember?
With what words do we turn from the memories of war to the hope of peace?
Newest ‘Remembrance Day’ posts . . . (images link to posts)
Remembrance services are held both in churches and at war memorials. For some this is an opportunity to focus on peace. White poppies, as a symbol of peace, stand in contrast to the memorial red poppies.
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is observed on the second Sunday in November, generally the Sunday nearest to 11 November.
Remembrance Day ‘was originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead of the First World War but after the Second World War the scope of the ceremony was extended to focus on the nation’s dead of both World Wars, and in 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn them.’
Remembrance Day resources on Worship Words . . .
Start at 10:55 so silence will commence at 11:00 am.
Scripture Deuteronomy 32:7
Hear the ancient words of our faith from the Hebrew scripture, Deuteronomy, chapter 32, verse 7:
Remember the days of old,
consider the years long past;
ask your father/mother, and he/she will inform you;
your elders, and they will tell you.
Our service this morning uses suggestions from both the British Legion and Churches Together in Britain. To start, [a veteran] and [a child or youth], will help us remember.
Remembering
Veteran:
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
A younger person replies:
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Minister: And let the people say, We will remember them: We will remember them.
(If there is still time, go as far as child lighting the candle, before the silence.)
2 Minute Silence – at 11:00 am
As a sign of respect, those who are able, please stand. If it is easier for you to remain sitting, please do. During this two minutes of silence, we remember. Silence –
The Last Post (start at exactly 2 minutes)
On trumpet or a CD
(after the Last Post) Please be seated.
Prayer
Spirit of Love, we remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence. May that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations. Amen.
The Kohima Epitaph – [recited by the Veteran]
When you go home, tell them of us and say,
for your tomorrow, we gave our today.
Light a candle — Veteran & Youth
Young person: We light this candle as a symbol of remembrance, peace and hope.
Read list of war casualties (military and civilian) from this church, if available.
Thank you [Veteran] and [child/youth] for helping us remember.
