Each November, as the air turns colder and leaves fall from the trees, our nation pauses. The bright red of the poppy appears on our coats and in our communities, a simple yet profound symbol of a promise: to remember. This Sunday, 9th November, marks Remembrance Sunday, a day when we join together to honour the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces.
At Lighthouse Fostering, we believe that reflection and remembrance are cornerstones of a compassionate community. Fostering itself is an act of hope for the future, but it is a role deeply rooted in understanding the past. Just as we help children understand their own histories to build a brighter future, we join the nation in looking back to honour those whose sacrifices have shaped the world we live in today.
The Significance of Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday provides a focal point for the nation to collectively pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. It is a day for sombre reflection, for gratitude, and for acknowledging the immense human cost of war. From large national ceremonies to small local gatherings at war memorials, communities across the country unite in a shared act of remembrance.
The day is filled with powerful symbolism. The wreaths of poppies laid at memorials, the solemn music of the Last Post, and the shared quiet of the two minutes' silence all serve as poignant reminders of the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. It is a tradition that transcends generations, connecting us to our history and to the fundamental values of courage, duty, and selflessness.
For our fostering community, it is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of service and protection. Our foster carers dedicate their lives to protecting vulnerable children, providing a safe harbour in a world that can sometimes feel turbulent. In a different but related way, our service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting our nation and its values. Remembrance Sunday allows us to honour this shared spirit of commitment to the wellbeing of others.
The Power of the Two Minutes' Silence
On Tuesday, 11th November, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we will once again observe the two minutes' silence. This tradition marks the precise moment the armistice was signed, bringing an end to the First World War in 1918. It is a moment of profound national unity, where the noise of daily life falls away, replaced by a shared, silent respect.
This silence is not empty; it is filled with thoughts, memories, and gratitude. It is a chance to step away from our busy lives and reflect on the bravery of those who faced unimaginable circumstances. It is an act of solidarity with the families who lost loved ones and with the veterans who carry the memories of conflict with them every day.
At Lighthouse Fostering, we will be observing the two minutes' silence as a team. We encourage our foster families to join us in this act of reflection, in a way that feels right for them. It is an opportunity to talk to children about the importance of peace and to honour the sacrifices made to secure it.
Talking to Children About Remembrance
Explaining the meaning of Remembrance Sunday to children can be a delicate task, especially for those who have experienced their own trauma. It is important to approach the subject with sensitivity, focusing on the core themes of bravery, helping others, and remembering those who have made sacrifices for our freedom.
Here are a few ways to share the significance of the day with children:
- Focus on the Poppy: The poppy is a simple, child-friendly symbol. You can explain that we wear poppies to show we are thinking about the soldiers who served our country. The story of the poppies growing on the battlefields of Flanders is a powerful, non-graphic way to connect the flower to its historical meaning.
- Emphasise Peace: Frame remembrance as a time to be thankful for peace. You can talk about how the soldiers fought so that we could live in a safe and peaceful country. This shifts the focus from the conflict itself to the positive outcome their sacrifice helped to achieve.
- Share Stories of Courage: Rather than dwelling on the violence of war, you can share age-appropriate stories of courage, friendship, and service. This could include stories of military animals, medics, or the efforts of people on the home front.
- Create Your Own Act of Remembrance: Participating in the two minutes' silence is a powerful experience. You could also create a poppy wreath together, draw pictures, or read a story about remembrance. This allows children to engage with the concept in a creative and personal way.
For children in the fostering system, understanding that they are part of a wider community that remembers and honours its past can be grounding. It connects them to a national story and helps them understand the values of courage and sacrifice that are woven into the fabric of our society.
Our Commitment to Honouring Sacrifice
The values that underpin Remembrance Sunday—courage, selflessness, and a commitment to protecting others—resonate deeply with the ethos of Lighthouse Fostering. We see these qualities every day in our foster carers, who open their hearts and homes to children in need of safety and stability.
Honouring sacrifice is about more than just looking back at historical events. It is about recognising and appreciating the acts of service that happen around us every day. It is about understanding that a better future is built on the foundations of the care and commitment we show to one another in the present.
This Remembrance Sunday, as we pause to remember the fallen, we also hold in our thoughts the service families within our communities. We recognise the unique challenges faced by military families and the resilience they show. Our commitment at Lighthouse Fostering is to provide a supportive, compassionate community for all, and we stand in solidarity with all those who serve.
Let us come together this Sunday and on Armistice Day to remember their courage, to honour their legacy, and to reflect on the peace they fought so hard to secure.
Lest we forget.