WW1 Remembrance Ceremony

This morning we held our World War 1 Remembrance Ceremony on the front field of the school.  We had to wake up early while it was still dark and meet on the front field.  Mr Limbrick and Dr Morris gave some speeches about the war.

Mrs Catt, who designed the artwork, unveiled it and it was blessed as a taonga for our school and community.  Our artwork represents the sacrifice of millions of soldiers, and particularly, the sacrifice of 91 New Lynn servicemen.  The artwork tells the story of war and also speaks of peace.

Mrs Sadgrove and the Stepping Up Singers performed 'In Flanders Fields' which is a song about how the poppies grow in the fields where the soldiers died.

Aja and Pearl read an excerpt from 'The Ode of Remembrance' which is the most loved World War 1 poem that talks about how the soldiers who have passed away cannot grow old like us.

Dawn, our bugler played 'The Last Post' & 'Revielle' which symbolises the end of the day, and the morning. Some people like to think of the music as representing death, then the resurrection.  The bugle that was played today was a very special instrument because it is believed that it was used during World War 1.  

Some children laid the wreaths that they had made.

Inside these baskets are doves!  Doves are a symbol of peace, but ironically, they were used in the war to carry messages to the troupes.  

To conclude our ceremony we had a dove release to symbolise the peace we want for our world. 

The doves we used today are especially trained to fly back home!  They don't get lost.  Thank you Brenda McKoy from 'Wedding Wings' for the use of your doves today.  

Lest we Forget.