Remembrance

Remembrance Day.

You might have noticed that in November people wear red paper poppies and wondered why.

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the signing of the Armistice on 11th November 1918, to signal the end of World War 1 after more than four years continuous warfare. A two minute silence is observed on the anniversary of this day every year to remember the end of the this war, also known as the great war which lasted for four years claiming the lives of millions of soldiers.

Today, with troops on duty in Afghanistan and other troubled spots around the world, Remembrance Day is still as important as ever. During this time the emblematic red poppy is worn in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. This flower first bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I and is symbolic of hope.
We observe this two minute silence as part of our normal service. You can also pray for those who are currently fighting in the war zones across the world.

For many of us, the concept of giving one’s life for another is somewhat far fetched; however our freedom today is a result of men and women giving up their lives for our security. Many, thousands of years ago, the ultimate sacrifice was made when Jesus Christ gave up his life for us, so that we may have freedom and live life more abundantly.

Here are few reasons why the Poppies are a symbol of hope and new life:

• They were the only flower that grew easily on the battlefields after World War One ended.
• They are delicate flowers that only live for a short time like the young men killed in battle.
• The colour red is a stark reminder of the blood of the soldiers who either died or were injured.

The money raised on this day and at other events  help thousands of ex-soldiers and their families.

So - now you know, buy a poppy to remember, but also to give hope to the living.