ALLISHA B (YEAR 11)

On Sunday 12 November, Queenswood held a Remembrance Service open to parents and pupils. We sang hymns and listened to readers who read poems and extracts. We also had the privilege of our own Queenswood choir singing for the audience and our own Reverend Douglas led us in two minutes of silence. 

This year I had the honour of laying a wreath during the service on behalf of my dad who could not attend, I proudly wore his medals and beret - each medal representing one of the countries he has been to as a Sergeant with the Royal Artillery.

Remembrance Sunday means a lot to me. Many soldiers, including my dad, serve our country and do their best to protect us. Every member of the armed forces I have met has always been an amazing person and cares about everyone around them.

But for me, remembrance is summed up perfectly in the words of John Bailey when he wrote the poem Taking a Stand.

Taking a Stand

I ask you to stand with me
For both the injured and the lost
I ask you to keep count with me
Of all the wars and what they cost
I ask you to be silent with me
Quietly grateful for our lot
As I expect you're as thankful as me
For the health and life we've got
I ask that you wish them well with me
All those still risking their all
And I ask that you remember with me
The names of those that fall
I expect that you are proud like me
Of this great nation of ours too
So enjoying all its freedoms like me
Support those upholding them for you
I hope that you are hopeful like me
That we'll soon bring an end to wars
So you'll have to stand no more with me
And mourning families no different from yours
'Til then be thankful you can stand with me
Thinking of those who now cannot
For standing here today with me
At least we show they're not forgot

John Bailey