Remembrance Day is a very important day in history because it is the day we respect and remember the people who fought in war. In the morning everyone stops what they are doing and is silent for 2 minutes. The reason when do this is so that we can show our respect to anyone on has passed away during a war.

The poppies are important because during WW1 the fighting took place in France and Belgium and the land was destroyed but the only flower that grew was the poppy that is why it became the symbol for Remembrance Day. It also disrespectful to wear a poppy after Remembrance Day because that’s when you leave it at the graveside.

Why is Remembrance Day on the 11th of November? – Remembrance Day is on the 11th of November because it is the anniversary of armistice that ended fighting with Germany in WW1. Countries around the globe observe 2 minutes of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month because that is when armistice came into effect.

What is Remembrance Day? - Remembrance Day is the day where we respect all those people who fought in any war, not just WW1 and WW2. On Remembrance Sunday people including the Royal family and politicians will lay wreaths at memorials around Great Britain, including the cenotaph in London. 

Please show your respect and buy a poppy to support people in the armed forces. 

Article by Olivia Magee (S1)

How It All Began

The story of Bonfire Night began when a group of Roman-Catholics led by Robert Catesby (NOT GUY FAWKES) enraged at King James l as he refused to grant greater religious tolerance to Catholics in England 1605.

The Plot

The group of Roman-Catholics planned to blow-up Parliament with exactly 360 barrels of gunpowder during the official state opening of Parliament. They intended to kill the king, along with anybody else present at that time. The overall goal was to re-establish some Catholic-rule in England.

Did The Plan Work?

Sadly for them, the plan failed when Guy Fawkes was caught by a guard trying to stash the gunpowder in the house's cellar just the night before the attack was planned for (which is why Guy became famous in the first place). This happened on November 5th, which gave history its day of celebration. Guy was then about to face punishment, however committed suicide by breaking his own neck instead. The other members also received a death punishment. This is now celebrated on November 5th every year all over the world to remember this important and memorable day in history.

Fun Facts 

1) Even though Guy Fawkes became the most famous member of the group, he did not actually lead them through the plot.

2) As a young boy, Guy attended the school St Peter’s in York, England and to this day they don’t celebrate Bonfire Night to honour and respect Guy’s bravery.

3) Every year just before the state opening of Parliament (just before bonfire night) the Houses of Parliament are checked for any intruders trying to attempt the Guy Fawkes plot once again. 

Safety!

1) Always make sure you are holding a sparkler by the very bottom or just wear gloves to be extra-safe. 🧤

2) Never stand too close when a firework is being lit, going off, or about to go off, even if it’s taking a while to go off you never go near it. 🎇

3) Make sure your bonfire is in an open space so it can’t burn anything when going off (such as sheds, fences, or even houses). 🏞️

4) Always follow the instructions on the boxes of a firework, as this will tell you EXACTLY how to have fun SAFELY. If you don’t, this could go very wrong and cause injury. 🧾

5) Finally, never throw a firework as this could cause much harm to other people along with yourself, and also never keep a firework lit or unlit in your pocket as fireworks are very unpredictable. 🧨

Lastly, just a little reminder to stay safe no matter what during Bonfire Night, but also have lots of fun! 

So please just: Remember, Remember, The 5th of November! 

Article by Caera Neeson (S1)