Student clapping at St Aidan's Catholic Primary School Rooty Hill

We Will Remember Them

11 Nov 2014

Remembrance Day

St Aidan's staff and students stop to remember the men and women that fought for Australia in the various wars. The year six students led the ceremony.

Flag is to be lowered to half mast.
Music - Abide with Me

Introduction

Remembrance Day is the day, which commemorates the end of World War 1. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the Armistice was signed. Armistice means to stop arms- to stop fighting. We remember and honour all Australians who fought, died and suffered, fighting in World War1 and in other wars and conflicts which followed.

We gather here today to commemorate all Australians who have served in all wars, conflicts and peace operations in which our forces have participated in and are still participating in today.

Prayer: Let us pray together The Our Father.

Poppies: Red poppies were the first signs of life in the fields of northern France and Belgium after World War 1. Bright red poppies were found growing where four years of war led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, including 45, 000 Australians. The poppy has become the symbol of new life, rebirth and hope for the future.

Let us now listen to the poem "Why Wear a Poppy?" By a poet unknown.

Why Wear a Poppy?

"Please wear a Poppy", the lady said
And held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped to watched to see how she would fare -
Her face was old and lined with care,
But beneath the scars that the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street,
Bouncing along on carefree feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun,
"Lady", he said, "may I have one?"
As she pinned it on I heard him say
"Why do we wear a Poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered, " This is Remembrance Day.
The Poppy there is a symbol for
The gallant men who died in war,
And because they did, you and I are free.
That's why we wear a Poppy, you see!"
"I had a boy about your size,

With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play, and jump and shout -
Free as a bird he would race about.
As years went on he learned and grew
And became a man as you will too".

"He was fine and strong with a boyish smile,
But he seemed with us just a little while.
When war broke out he went away -
I still remember his face that day, When he smiled at me and said, "Goodbye -
I'll be back soon, so please don't cry".

"But the war went on and he had to stay -
All I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight -
I can still see it in my dreams at night.
With tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And mines and bullets, the bombs and fire".

"Until at last the war was won,
And that's why we wear a Poppy, son".
The small boy turned as if to go
Then said, "Thanks lady, I'm glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight,
But your son - did he come home all right?"
A tear rolled down each faded cheek -
She shook her head but didn't speak.
I slunk away - head bowed in shame
And if you were with me, you'd have done the same.
For our thanks in giving is often delayed,
Though our freedom was bought and thousands paid.

And so you see - when a Poppy is worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By all those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their Country's call.
That we at home in peace may live -
Then wear a Poppy - remember - and give!

Wreath Laying: We will now lay the wreath and poppies at the foot of the cross. (School Leaders) to lay the wreath and poppies at the foot of the cross) the poppies.

Ode: They shall grow not old as we are 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.

All: We will remember them.

Lest we forget.
All: Lest we forget.

Please stand for the Last Post. (Flag lowered.)

We will now have a moment of silence as we remember all our soldiers.
(One minute of silence)

Please turn and face the flag. Flag is raise to the music Rouse.

The Australian National Anthem.

Students leave in silence.