By: Blonde One

The recent Remembrance Day will stand out for me and I’m sure I will remember one aspect of it for very different reasons. I have a keen interest in World War 1 in particular which all started with my favourite poem: Dulce et Decorum est. I am rather partial to all literature from World War 1 and had a very poignant trip to the Belgium battle fields a few years ago. I currently have family serving in the British forces and I feel very strongly that soldiers, past and present, should be remembered by us all. In my world, as I’m sure it is in yours, it is important to observe the silence at 11am on the 11th November. For a variety of very good reasons, this year the place that I was in did not announce the 11am silence as it has done every other year. I didn’t think too much of it and observed the silence nevertheless. However, a certain young man did not think this absence was acceptable and decided to take matters into his own hands. I have known this young man for several years and known him to be quite quiet, well-mannered and polite. It’s only recently that I’m seeing him in a slightly different way. It turns out he is also determined, extremely hard working and it seems, he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in.

Instead of standing back and chuntering to himself about the lack of announcement, he decided to ‘discuss the matter’ with the head of establishment. This is no mean feat when you consider a 17 year old facing up to a very important figure! The end result was this young man making the announcement himself. He was calm, clear and very well spoken. He delivered a very thoughtful and thought provoking message to his peers and adults alike. The content of the message about remembering the fallen and the fact that it was him delivering it both contributed to the tears in my eyes. It will come as no surprise to you to hear that this young man has recently been chosen by his peers to represent them, is a Gold DofE participant and aspires to join the Navy. If ever there was a reason to work with kids: it is right there. In that one action he demonstrated to over a thousand people that to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what, and a little courage and determination can achieve big things.

Amazing!