In Remembrance

by Peter Blount 11 November 2020

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.

Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms.

To this day we continue to mark Armistice Day with two minutes silence at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Remembrance Day 2020 –

Since the very first Armistice day, which has later become known as Remembrance Day, there have been many formats and many ways to take part. Thousands and thousands have remembered and been remembered at parades, cenotaphs, war memorials and special services both in this country and at battlefields throughout the word.

BUT I think it fair to say there has never been a Remembrance Day remotely resembling this one. The experience of and opportunity for ‘public, open and mass’ remembrance has been removed by a power equally deadly as war and yet it lurks unseen and unidentified.

So, how different and poignant can it get than to see our Queen as a solitary masked figure at the tomb of the unknown warrior in Westminster Abbey, or the events at the Cenotaph in Whitehall attended by so few, or an almost empty Royal Albert Hall, all making their act of remembrance in different but personal ways.

I was particularly moved by the TV coverage on Sunday evening when individuals were able to recount their personal memories and give reasons why they mark this special day.

It all begs a question then, is an act of remembrance more powerful done ‘en masse’ or as individuals? Perhaps your personal experience answers the question.

As we shared together on Sunday remembering and giving thanks for all that is past and for all who gave of themselves totally to make a future for us. At this time we also remember those currently in military service, the NHS, care sector and medical profession giving tirelessly in the service of others.

So we pray together:-

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer

We do give thanks with a grateful heart in Jesus name. Amen

If you are an early riser and have got this far before 11am today – you may wish to carry on with this closing act of remembrance or wait and come back at 11am to conclude.

Either way – a) Read the famous quote

b) Take two minutes silence, the picture may help which is

the display currently in our church window

c) Conclude by reading the prayer

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

They shall not grow old,

As we who are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them,

Nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sum and in the morning

We will remember them

Silence

Prayer

Ever living God,

We remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into your presence and peace.

May that same peace calm our fears at this unprecedented time,

May it bring justice to all peoples

May it establish harmony among all nations.

Through Jesus Christ our ever present Lord.

Amen