First ever Children’s Remembrance Day Service in Scotland

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This weekend traditional Remembrance Day services will take place the length and breadth of Britain.

On Friday (10 November) Paisley will be hosting a new addition to that calendar of commemoration with what is believed to be the first-ever Children’s Remembrance Day Service in Scotland.

150 pupils from 51 Renfrewshire primary and special schools will team up with British Legion, and forces’ and Renfrewshire Council representatives for a parade, service and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph in County Square, Paisley.

The idea for the new ceremony evolved after staff and pupils at Mossvale Primary School took part in a Remembrance Service at their school last year.

Colleen Wood, former head teacher of Mossvale Primary, and now head teacher of Lancraigs Primary said:, “Our pupils were very interested in learning more about Remembrance Day after British Legion members visited the school.

“A Remembrance Service and a wreath-laying was already held at Mossvale Primary. Other schools also had their own ceremonies and I thought Renfrewshire schools might want to take part in a joint service to mark Remembrance Day. The response we’ve had from schools across Renfrewshire has been overwhelming. Three special schools and 48 primary schools will be represented at the Remembrance Day Service.”

Mrs Wood added that the process of taking part in the service and meeting up with members of the British Legion had made Remembrance Day more relevant for youngsters.

“Pupils see the national Remembrance Day services on television but they may not understand all the context.

“Having the opportunity to meet with members of the British Legion and learn about their experiences and sacrifices has been a fascinating and indeed, moving, experience for pupils. They’ve also been able to use the knowledge they have gained in their studies on history and citizenship.”

Larissa Fletcher, 11, of St James’ Primary in Paisley will be one of those laying a wreath at the Cenotaph in Paisley “Poppy Day is important because it reminds you about the people who have died for us and should not be forgotten,” she said.

Geordie Gaughan is the Secretary of the Royal British Legion in Paisley and a former soldier with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, “It’s important that the next generation understand what has gone before and what Remembrance Day represents,” he said.

“The process of helping to organise and take part in this unique tribute has been a very worthwhile experience for pupils and my own colleagues in the British Legion.

“Now that youngsters know more about what people from their own area went through, they will understand more about the significance of Remembrance Day.

“And seeing so many young people and schools honouring the war dead in this way will be very fitting tribute.”

The Children’s Remembrance Day Service in Paisley will begin at Paisley Town Hall at 10.30am where around 150 pupils will assemble. They will then walk with standard bearers and 40 members of the British Legion and four soldiers from 102 (Field Squadron) (Air Support) (Volunteers) to the Cenotaph at County Square in the centre of Paisley. The procession will also be accompanied by pipes and drums.

The service at the Cenotaph will be conducted by Rev Eleanor McMahon, School Chaplain to Mossvale Primary, and Father Vincent Byrne, parish priest to St James’s Primary.

Press Release: Thursday 9 November 2006