Piddingworth Greg Benton
























































































































































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PIDDINGWORTH
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'Piddingworth...where St. George's Cross is not yet banned.'
                                                                            --Mark Steyn

Through the special efforts of the Royal Canadian Legion,
the Dominion Institute and latterly of the Department of
Veterans Affairs, there has been a revived awareness of the
sacrifice Canada has made and the importance of the role
Canada has played in the wars.  The two-minute silence
across Canada has been re-instituted where all business
and transport comes to a halt at the eleventh hour of the
eleventh day of the eleventh month.  Surely, this is the
very least a Canadian can do. 

In addition, the promotion of the poppy in schools has
improved somewhat but we could do better. 

The observance at the National War Memorial in Ottawa
continues, of course, as do those at hundreds of cenotaphs
and memorials in cities, towns and villages across the country;
usually including the participation of veterans and representatives
of the Armed Forces, the Veterans, as well as Cadet Corps
and Police services.

Canadian students are generally in school on this day and
therefore must rely on their schools to provide the opportunity
for them to learn their civic duty and make their act of remembrance.

Unfortunately, and for far too many Canadian students,
this has meant a mere few minutes of reflection over the
school's public address system which, while better than nothing,
only pays lip-service to an event of enormous national and
cultural signifcance and of our duty as citizens to keep the observance.

In some schools, Remembrance has too often been seen as
an opportunity by some educators to make a "political"
statement about war; this was particularly true of many
Baby-Booming teachers, now-retiring, who still live to protest
the American war in Viet Nam from 35-40 years ago or of
other conflicts about which they have "feelings".
 
Any politicisation of Remembrance is nothing short of an
affront to the men, women and their families who made
the supreme sacrifice for their Sovereign and Country. 
Any attempt to "use" Remembrance Day as a "teaching tool"
to advance one's particular political agenda on an audience
of captive students is nothing short of a disgrace and should
be challenged directly by members of the wider school community.

I think that this is especially important as our armed forces
are currently engaged in the war in Afghanistan where
Canadian soldiers, and a Canadian diplomat, have been
killed.  Their sacrifice, not the policy of any particular
political party, is what our students should be encouraged
to remember.

Remembrance is the one day of the year that ALL Canadians,
of every persuasion, come together to honour those who fought
and died for our freedom.  Remembrance therefore transcends
the ordinary discourse and polemics of war and peace. 
It points directly to those real human beings who, wearing
the uniform of their country, did their duty.  We remember
that the peace and freedom that we enjoy as Canadians is
directly connected to these lives we as well as those of our allies. 

In schools, therefore, the actual teaching really ought to be twofold:
During Remembrance Week in the classroom and in the daily
announcements there is an opportunity to educate the students
of the meaning and circumstances of our history at war;
why we fought; and why should never forget.

On Remembrance Day itself, or, if it occurs on a weekend, the
nearest date before, whilst in an assembly, we should focus
on the nature of the sacrifice of so many and on our responsibility
as Canadians to honour that sacrifice and therefore teach the
students their civic duty. 

Some have said that, "the students do not have the maturity
to handle a proper Remembrance observance" to which I say: 'Rubbish'.
Frankly, I think it might well be more the other way around!
Students will at least approximate the expectations that are
placed before them if they see their teachers acting appropriately
and the school taking the day seriously.

The Royal Canadian Legion has superb resources for teachers
and students which you can download and use.
You will find them here:

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION RESOURCES

I have provided an example of the service used at Saint Mary
which can be modified to suit your circumstances.
Of course, in a Catholic school, the service itself is in the
context of Catholic faith and worship.
Still, the basics are there following the order and protocol
in Ottawa and across the country.

You can see this service here:
THE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE AT SAINT MARY
PREPARATION

Students should be seated and prepared for the ceremonies
before the assembly begins.
The school band might play some appropriate music
such as "Nimrod" or other reflective music.

This is not a time for broadway show tunes or pop music.

The master of ceremonies should make brief introductory
remarks to the students concerning the significance of the
assembly and of the expected behaviour.  In particular,
of the inappropriateness of "clapping" or "applauding". 
Students are so used to thinking of music and drama as
"entertainment" that it is necessary to make the distinction here.

It has also been my experience that the more students
involved in the assembly the more edifying it is to all.
Most schools have students who are sea, army or air cadets
and I have found that when they present themselves in uniform
to carry in the flags and assist with the wreath and at the doors,
it adds much.

I generally have had the cadets practice several weeks
beforehand to learn the drill and be comfortable with their
responsibilities.  The cadet with seniority in rank usually
"takes command". 

Note:  To the teacher organising the assembly.  It's a good idea
to send a letter to each cadet's commanding officer requesting
"permission" and offering appreciative thanks for their support
which I have found they are more than glad to provide.

Other students involved are the student council and readers,
a drama class, the school band, etc.  It makes for a particularly
memorable experience for them and affords their schoolmates a
sense of "ownership" in the event.

In Remembrance Week preceding the assembly, I have found
that a daily reflection in the morning, lasting 5-7 minutes
helps to prepare the students.  Each year I rotate the themes.
For example, highlighting battles, Victoria Cross winners,
the wars themselves and the like.  These refelctions were
recorded in my PiddStudio so that word and music together
added to the dramatic presentation.  Still, one could do it
"live" with a little creative effort.

During the lunchtimes, we have had students providing a
"table" in the cafeteria with information about Remembrance
and Canada at War. 

The students sell poppies (the kids, like everyone else,
are inclined toward losing their originals).
They also hand out pamphlets from the Legion or Veteran's
Affairs and usually have a DVD/video playing nearby.

I recommend:
No Price Too High-excellent!!
Canada At War (National Film Board)
if you can still get it.

and the superb
'Canada's Military Heritage Series' from the War Amps.

PLEASE.  Certainly NOT "The Valour & The Horror"
a universally discredited and anti-military insult to our veterans
and our country.

The sale of Poppies should be arranged through the Legion.
The Art department contributed with students making posters
that were displayed around the school and the glass display cases
have been made to provide symbols of Remembrance.

By the time the assembly comes around, I have found that the
students by and large are "ready" for it and know what they
are about to see and do.
          REMEMBRANCE
              IN SCHOOLS
The Cadets at Saint Mary, Pickering
Thank you very much
     for your support!