Assembly and Commemoration Service WWII

                                                           KEY  STAGE  2 & 3

Headmaster’s introduction (Poppy wreath/base carried in, and place by white crosses on artificial grass base. The crosses bear the names of the fallen)

Minister:

Let us remember before God

Those who have given their lives in the cause of freedom

and in the service of others, especially those known to us, and  from this community in *N

The list of those to be remembered by name to be read, (perhaps ‘cut out’ poppy petals, could be gently dropped from a basket by a child as the names are read along the line of children)

Speaker: (invites children to repeat at the end ‘We will remember them’)

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.

The last post is sounded.

Minister: Self-sacrifice

When it comes to WAR, people’s lives are ended before they have had a chance to really start enjoying them.

Once these people, whose names we have heard read out, lived, felt the dawn upon their faces, saw the sunset glowing, felt the rain on their faces. They loved and were loved, but they responded to a call to join the fight for freedom, that our country might have hope and a future.

The names we have heard were among those who laid down their lives for others, to fight against evil. There is no greater sacrifice; there is no greater love than this, the bible tells us that a man should lay down his life for a friend; Lives were given for you and for me, that we might live. These are the people we remember today.

Prayer:

Almighty God, hear our prayers and thanksgiving

For all whom we remember this day;

We remember those who fought so bravely

We remember the pain and suffering of the injured,

we remember those whose lives were taken away,

because of war. We remember their sacrifice for the sake of freedom and love.

We pray especially that people throughout our world today,

may become makers of peace and harmony and justice.Amen

Song Choice; My God loves me   Make me a channel of your peace   Be still for the presence of the Lord     Amazing grace

DEPART FOR SERVICE IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN

Prayer of Commemoration

We thank you, O God, for the courage, devotion to duty and self sacrifice of those in past wars who gave their lives that we may live in peace.

We praise you for the witness of those who today make sacrifices, which challenge us to search for peace…and so we dedicate this seat in memory of those who gave their lives that we may live. We give thanks for all who helped to fund this gift, a sign and  symbol of remembrance.

May all who visit this memorial corner find themselves inspired to pray for a world in which all creation is treasured and every human life is valued…May this special area be a place our children will care for and respect; a place they will enjoy coming to.

This we ask in Jesus’ name Amen

Reading and /or Song  followed by a blessing.