A special version of the poignant war poem In Flanders Fields has been performed by children at Newington Community Primary in Ramsgate.
Their moving rendition of the verse that was originally written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was among the highlights of a Remembrance Day event in memory of those who fought and died in war – and for those still serving.
Music teacher Warwick Eldred, who set the poem to music, said: “This is such an important time of year. It is vital that we bring the whole school together for this moment and by putting Flanders Fields to music and encouraging the whole school to sing the song for remembrance, we are ensuring that all of our children will leave us knowing this poem by heart.”
Year 6 children read poems from the war to the whole school and Sophia Hristov, also from Year 6, wrote her own poem and read this aloud.
Pupils also sang Peace Is Flowing Like A River and left the assembly hall singing wartime favourites It’s A Long Way to Tipperary and Pack Up Your Troubles.
Children, who wore their service uniforms to school, also wore poppies with pride including home-made creations. The assembly was organised by History Lead Hayley Allingham who reminded all of the children why Remembrance Day is marked and the significance of wearing a poppy.
Head Teacher Hannah Tudor was proud of how the whole school united in respect. She said: “It is always wonderful to bring the whole school together and marking an occasion like this makes it all the more important.
“Every single child in our school hall observed the minute’s silence. There was not a sound and that really shows that our children understand the importance and significance of why we wear our poppies to remember those who gave their lives for others.”
