Remembrance Day in our homes

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them

Remembrance Day in the UK never goes by without a great deal of attention. Each year we buy our poppies and remember those who were unfortunate enough to live in a time when so many were asked to face challenges that most of us will never face. In all too many cases, giving their lives so that others could continue to freely live theirs.

We have a number of residents in our care homes who remember the Second World War and others who were on active service, as well as residents who were involved in one way or another in other twentieth century conflicts. And this year, like every other, all of our homes took part in events and activities which marked the day.

These events and activities included personalised Remembrance Displays, handmade themed cakes, various poppy displays and services. One home created a Remembrance Arch, onto which residents and staff could attach poppies, some of them hand made.

Many homes created Remembrance Spaces within their homes and dressed in period clothes and uniforms to mark the day while others gathered and watched the day’s events on large screens, holding the silence together when the time came. Some homes visited their local war memorials so that they could each place a wreath while others attended local memorial parades. One home had their own bugler play the Last Post at the appropriate moment during the day.

The level of active participation in this annual event by the residents and staff within our care homes is always remarkable. It’s a sombre time, but one that our homes are always keen to take part in.