2. Presentation 1 Show the students some of the items from the past you’ve brought in. You might like even to play an old song or two. Talk about how the items from the past have been surpassed by newer things. 2 Do this quiz, encouraging participation: ‘I remember when…’ The students have to tell you the year of the events. Below are some memorable events and their dates. Depending on time you have available, you might want to add some more notable dates. You could do the quiz either by simply asking the audience, with hands up for answers; by dividing the audience in two, each section competing against each other; or having a competition between two teams of volunteers at the front. Ask: In which year did the following events take place? JF Kennedy shot (1963) Man landed on the moon (1969) The Falklands war (1982) Bomb at the Atlanta Olympics (1996) Princess Diana died (1997) The World Trade Center destroyed by terrorist attack (2001) 3 Talk about the idea of history repeating itself, for example: Old fashions come back in to fashion, eg mini-skirts, flares; War re-occurs, eg Falklands War, Gulf War, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq. Violence and terrorism, eg September 11, suicide bombs in Israel. 4 Show the students a Remembrance Day poppy. Explain that these were first sold and worn as reminders of the fields of France covered in red poppies during World War I and also reminders of the bloodshed in wars since. After the two major world wars in Europe in the first half of the last century, the British Legion wanted future generations never to forget the atrocities of war and to remember those who had died for their country.

3. 5 Say that they might have heard these words, often spoken at this time of year, in remembrance of people who have given their lives in wars: ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them not the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. When you go home, tell them of us and say, “For your tomorrow we gave our today”.’ Kohima Memorial in Burma (show slides incl pic of local memorial (ours is Llandaff) 6 Explain that some Christians, who were pacifists, did not fight in the two World Wars, believing that, whatever the reasons, it is always wrong to kill others and that other ways of making peace should be found. Other Christians believed it was right to go to war and gave their lives to preserve freedom and peace for others. 7 Explain that, whether we believe war is right or wrong, the Bible talks about the importance of being willing to forgive, and about reconciliation and seeking peace wherever possible. That applies to every day quarrels between people too. 8 Read out some of these verse from the Bible: Matthew 5:9,38–48. Reflection (play Taize Chant in Backgounrd – Jesus remember me Ask the students: How would you like to be remembered? In what ways could you contribute to making peace (in school, your family, your community, the world)? Can you forgive others, when you need to, and not seek revenge or retribution?

4. Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School Remembrance Assembly

6. Items I remember from my past

7. J F Kennedy Shot

8. Humans landed on the Moon

9. Death of Princess Diana

10. Saddam Hussein Toppled

11. Twin Towers Disaster

14. They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old, age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. When you go home, tell them of us and say, “For your tomorrow we gave our today”

18. Matthew 5: 38-49 38 Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven”.

19. Questions for you to reflect on …. How would you like to be remembered? In what ways could you show love to your enemies today? Are you big enough to be able to forgive rather than seek revenge?