Ode of Remembrance

As Remembrance Day fast approaches, we reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans. They have given so much to protect our freedoms and way of life. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. On this day, we honour their memory and pledge to never forget their sacrifices.

 

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

Response:

We will remember them
Lest we forget

Here are ways to remember to remember this year.

 

The Ode of Remembrance has been recited to commemorate wartime service and sacrifice since 1921. Taken from  the poem "For the Fallen," its recitation helps the audience to understand the wartime experience of service men and women. The poem was written by Robert Laurence Binyon, an English academic and poet. He worked as a medical orderly with the Red Cross on the Western Front during World War I.

 

For the Fallen

By Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), published in The Times newspaper on 21 September 1914.

 

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation,
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

 

For over 30 years, we have been working with veteran organisations by providing stunning items to help you commemorate every day, and meaningful gifting items to share the remembrance and message with those you love. 

 

Get out and support fundraising groups that help our veterans.  There are many beautiful ways to show your support this year.

 

If you cannot get out, you can  also shop online and show support with fantastic items that are not only stunning but are useful, perfect for year-round remembrance.  Explore our Remembrance Day Collection here.