Originally written in November 2014 as 'Remembrance Day' — Updated for clarity and reflection in 2026.
Yesterday marked one hundred years since the start of the First World War. The boys and I went to our usual church on Sunday to take part in the remembrance service. Three moments stood out, so I wanted to write about them here.
The first moment was the sense of community. Our church often welcomes visitors, although this time the building felt full in a different way. We remembered together with the local primary school, who brought their choir to sing three pieces. They sang an older wartime song, a tribal song that represented our allies, and a short reflective piece for all service men and women who have died since. A coach from the local Age Concern centre joined us and found the service thoughtful. Our local councilman attended, read the Bible passage, and laid a wreath on our behalf. The Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides came with their flags and lowered them in tribute. The Guides also read a letter from a soldier, which gave a clear picture of life on the front line. The WI joined us too, and their help became even more appreciated later in the morning.
The second moment came from the service itself, led by our Curate, Sue. It was short, although it left space to consider faith, our relationship with God, and the experiences of the soldiers who served.
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| [Image 2. A small Gospel of John booklet as discussed in the post] |
The message centred on a small Gospel of John booklet that was given to soldiers before they crossed the Channel. One letter printed in the republished copy stayed with me. A soldier wrote that he accepted the booklet in a dismissive way, although he later found comfort in it during lonely hours. He described standing on duty at night with the Germans thirty yards away and realising he needed more than his own courage. He wrote about shells landing at his feet and the surprise of still being alive. He ended by saying he had filled in the decision form at the back of the booklet and accepted Christ as his Saviour. He asked for prayer in the hour of trial. Hearing this read aloud made the search for hope feel very real.
The third moment happened after the service. We had booked the hall opposite the church for a First World War themed bring and share gathering. The hall was decorated and had period music playing. The WI and other members of the community organised the food and drinks. The boys and I contributed as well. I made a traditional pork and cider terrine with toast, and William baked a First World War pumpkin cake. Both went down well.
It felt like a fitting remembrance for Sittingbourne and Bobbing. The morning brought our community together and reminded us of what is lost and gained in every conflict. It also showed that we gather for one purpose. We choose not to forget the past or the sacrifices that shaped the present.
We remember the fallen soldiers of yesterday. Many fought and died without knowing us, and we honour them by living in a way that does not waste what they gave. Lest we forget.
Below are a few photos from the day.
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| [Image 3. A very full and busy packed church as people fill the pews for remembrance service] |
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[Image 4. A photo of people greeting each other as they settle before the service starts]
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| [Image 5. James, wearing a grey jumper smiles at the cameranas he chews his thumb] |
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| [Image 6. William wearing a grey jumper and white shirt smiling at the camera sat in a pew] |
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[Image 7. The backs of peoples heads they watch the announcement of those that died in the war.]
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[Image 8. People standing in the chancel at the microphone whilst the congregation watches and listens]
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| [Image 9. People standing in the chancel at the microphone whilst the congregation watches and listens] |
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| [Image 10. Inside the village hall with people sat around the table. Bunting is hanging around the walls] |
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[Image 11. A young mum and child at the front. Behind them a man in a black suit and a woman in a red coat chat]
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| [Image 12. Children say around a table with cups on it. 2 people at the end embracing having not see each other for a while] |
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| [Image 13. People sat around a white table at the hall. As they eat, talk, and enjoy the gathering] |
2026 Reflection
Reading this again twelve years later feels like opening a time capsule. I can see the younger version of myself who was still learning how to write about faith, community and fatherhood in the same breath. I can also see how much those early years shaped the way I write now. The details are small, although the heart of it remains the same. I still believe remembrance is about community, shared stories, and the quiet moments that make you stop and think.
This post also reminds me how much the boys have grown and recall
arts and crafts we did around Remembrance Day in
Home Ed. William baking a pumpkin cake, a prequel to all those
Little Chef recipes, feels like a lifetime ago. The way we mark remembrance has changed, although the meaning has not. If anything, the last decade has made me more aware of how fragile peace can be and how important it is to keep telling these stories.
If you want to read how my reflections on remembrance have evolved, you can jump forward to my more recent posts where I write about community, faith and the way we hold memory together.
Lest we forget.
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