Rev Rosie writes about Remembrance

Rev Rosie Bunn
Rector of All Saints Church, Belton
and
St Peter & St Paul Church, Burgh Castle

What do you do to help you remember what you mustn’t forget? Does it work?

 
There are some dates that might be etched in your memory, such as your own birthday, your children’s birthdays, the day someone you loved died, a wedding day/anniversary, or Christmas Day. But what about Remembrance Day? The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – it has been made as easy as it is possible to remember, and with the poppies on sale nearly everywhere we go, it isn’t easy for that date to pass us by
 
Looking back, it was five years ago that we remembered the 100 year anniversary of the end of the First World War with a giant “Tommy” created with handmade crocheted and knitted poppies, hanging from the church tower of All Saints, Belton. We have long passed that time when the last veteran of that war died, and in a few years there will not be any veterans from World War 2 alive. Last year it was the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war; it is 88 years since the end of World War 2
 
When I look at the news on the TV or hear it on the radio, I wonder what our world has learnt in the time since our world wars. Have we learnt anything? In recent years we have seen many nations begin conflicts with neighbouring countries even invade them. Currently we are seeing nations taking one side or another in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, with the danger of escalation of this conflict. Israel and Palestine have been involved in wars a number of times in the last century, and generally the people do not want it 

Remembering the cost of war to our nation is important; the loss of lives of so many military personnel, the devastation of bombing that occurred in this area with the loss of life that came with it, significant, too. In remembering those who lost their lives in the first and second world wars and the conflicts our nation has been involved in since then, has to go some way to keeping war off the agenda for us. Teaching our children about it in a way that doesn’t seek to glorify war, but tells the story honestly, is vital

Having the Belton Scouts attend the Remembrance Service at Belton again this year is part of this, and so important. I still remember going to Remembrance services with my Dad, when I was quite young. Dad had been in the RAF and served in Africa towards the end of the war. He and my Mum both did a lot of work with the Royal British Legion, especially in the care of ex-servicemen and women in their local area, and my Dad carried the Royal British Legion Standard at numerous parades around the county

I will be leading Remembrance services during the week at Burgh House, and for Moorlands Academy on Friday 10th November in church, as well as the usual All Saints Belton service at 10.30am and the Burgh Castle Remembrance Service at 4pm on Sunday 12th November. Some of us will have members of our family who served this country during the wars and recent conflicts; it is so important to remember with thanksgiving every one of them, and especially those who lost their lives as a consequence. Do come along and join us for one of the Remembrance services, you will be made very welcome

Rev Rosie Bunn