The Prince of Wales will deliver a special message to schools
across the UK as the country marks Armistice Day.
Pupils around the country will be taking part in an online
assembly which will include a video address from Prince
William.
In the message, part of the Royal British Legion’s
Remembrance Assembly on 11th November, the heir to the throne
tells those watching that Armistice Day is an important time to
for us to stop and reflect – it is a reminder that Remembrance is
for everyone.”
It’s likely that William’s eldest two children will be watching
as the assembly is designed for those between 9 and 14 – Prince
George is 12 and Princess Charlotte is 10.
It’s been created in partnership with the National Literacy
Trust and it’s an online event that will include the two minute
silence at 11am.
William’s address speaks directly to the young people involved.
The Prince tells them that ”when we remember, we connect with
service in a personal way. We learn from the courage of others, and
we carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten. It’s not
just about the past—it’s about shaping who we become in the
future.”
He continues ”Remembrance teaches us empathy, resilience,
and responsibility. And when we wear a red poppy or take a moment
of silence, we are saying, “Thank you. We have not forgotten, and
we will not forget.”
The future king also talks of his own time in the Armed Forces,
saying ”Through my own military experience, as well as through
my work in connection with units across the Royal Navy, the Army
and the Royal Air Force, I have seen firsthand the hard work,
dedication and duty the Armed Forces carry out to ensure we are
protected. ”
And he ends ”Coming together for Remembrance is a vital way
to honour those whose service keeps us safe. Even today,
as we continue to face a number of conflicts across the world, we
honour those who have gone before us, and those who are serving
now. Their memories matter, their lives matter, and they
remind us to be respectful, kind, brave, and thoughtful every
day.”
The assembly is led by veteran and TV presenter, JJ Chalmers,
and features Second World War veterans including 101 George Durrant
from West Sussex who served in the Intelligence Corps in the
14th Army, sometimes called ‘The Forgotten Army’.
Also included is 100 year old Prince Albert Jacob who left his home
in the Port of Spain in Trinidad at the age of 17 to join the
RAF.
The assembly is held every year. Philippa Rawlinson who is
Director of Remembrance at the Royal British Legion said ”We’re
honoured to welcome the Prince of Wales to this year’s Remembrance
Assembly. His contribution, alongside that of veterans and serving
personnel, will encourage young people to take part in Remembrance
and find their own connection to the Armed Forces community, past
and present.”
On Armistice Day, the Princess of Wales will attend a service at
the National Memorial Arboretum. During that act of remembrance, a
specially written sonnet by the Arboretum’s Poet in Residence, Arji
Manuelpillai, will be read.
‘It’s called ‘A Sonnet For Us All” and focuses on the importance
of personal connections and bonds that are formed through military
service, themes which Kate explores in her patronages and work.
Schools that want to join the assembly can register until 10am
on November 11th at this link.
