A moving new remembrance project led by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, will see children from St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Coundon visit their local cemetery this Remembrance Day (Tuesday 11 November at 10.45am) to lay poppy crosses on the graves of fallen servicemen.
The idea was championed by Mike Donne, Deputy Branch Chair and Caseworker at SSAFA Durham Branch, who has spent several years encouraging local schools to “adopt” war graves — inspired by the way that Dutch children care for Allied soldiers’ graves in the Netherlands.
Now, with the support of St Joseph’s, that vision is becoming a reality.
A group of 18 pupils from years five and six will each honour a serviceman buried in Coundon Cemetery, where there are 17 war graves – one bearing two names – ensuring every child has someone to remember during the two-minute silence at 11am.
Mike Donne, SSAFA Durham Deputy Branch Chair and caseworker, said: “This has been a long-held wish of mine — to see young people in our community form a connection with the men who once lived in our community and gave their lives in service.
“The children in Holland have done this for decades, and it’s such a moving example of respect and gratitude. I’m delighted that St Joseph’s has embraced this idea, and I hope other schools in County Durham will follow their lead.”
Sarah Dove, Deputy Headteacher at St Joseph’s, said: “Our pupils learn about Remembrance Day and VE Day in class, but this project brings that learning to life. By visiting the graves and placing their poppy crosses, the children are remembering real people from their own community — men who walked the same streets they do now.
“It’s a powerful and lasting lesson in history, empathy and gratitude. This experience also strengthens our Catholic Social Teaching values, encouraging respect for the dignity of every person and a deep sense of community and service.”
Layla Parsons, aged 10, a year six pupil, said: “I didn’t know there were war graves so close to our school. When I saw the name of the soldier I’m remembering, I felt proud that I can say thank you to him. It’s made me realise how lucky we are.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
