Today I’ve been grateful for the teachers who put together our school’s Remembrance Day assembly. They made the effort to be thoughtful, to include the past and the present, to respect without glorifying, and to make peace the focus.
I’m grateful for the students who obviously have pondered the discussions that happen on Remembrance Day, who have already started to be critical thinkers and develop their wisdom.
I’m grateful for the Grade 6 boy who was tearful at the end of the assembly today (as many of us were), not only for being open about emotion but also for giving his classmates the chance to be compassionate.
I’m grateful for the feeling of community that always brings us in close on November 11th.
I’m very grateful for moments of silence, and that silence is our answer for how to show reverence – and that even the little kids, in a brimming gymnasium, seem to feel it.
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Some people are trying to start a movement to have Remembrance Day made a statutory holiday. I say no. The schools I have known anything about do a better job of making Remembrance Day meaningful — and in a constructive and positive way — than most parents would, if the parents were even with their kids.
I agree. I have always felt Remembrance Day to be a very special day in schools. I always take advantage of it to have interesting philosophical conversations with the students.
I have to say I agree with Mama…I think Remembrance day would LOSE impact if made a full stat, ESPECIALLY at our young children’s expense. I was so impressed at what the schools did this year. And to listen to what my 6 year old was able to relay to me.
Oh, cool! I would love to hear about M’s take on Remembrance Day…