We will remember them

Across the Dorset View distribution area, there will be Remembrance Day events on Sunday 13 November to mark the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War.

It is a national opportunity to remember those who sacrificed their lives through conflict to protect our freedoms and way of life.

In the run up to Remembrance Sunday, the Royal British Legion holds its Poppy Appeal, and there will be sellers out and about in each community. Money raised helps the RBL continue its work supporting the Armed Forces.

For a list of some of the Remembrance Sunday events in the area, please see the listings on page 33.

The following poem was written by a serving soldier from the 3 YORKS, having just returned from his third tour of Afghanistan which saw the loss of ‘10 Brothers.’ It is featured on the website www.warpoetry.co.uk.

We Who Remain

We are indeed the lucky and unlucky ones,

As we are the ones who have lived to tell the tales of those we once knew

We are the ones who carry those scars of things seen, done and lost

We are the ones who must never let those who are not here be forgotten by the new

We are the ones who will never need to be reminded that “We will Remember Them”

As We are the ones who will always remember those we forever call friend.

WO2 Anthony Devanny 3 YORKS Virtutis Fortuna Comes

Modern poems of remembrance

Year 8 students at Ferndown Middle School have been studying WWI poetry in their English lessons.

Having discussed the importance of remembrance, they considered the ways that historical events are marked and discussed events in their lifetime that they felt should be remembered.

Taking inspiration from the WWI poetry, the students wrote their own poems. A selection of their anthology follows.

Russia Strikes Maternity Ward

by Noah C

Russia bombed poor mothers and babies disgracefully.

Soldiers step over the bloody remains of bodies.

Mothers and babies crying miserably.

It was dark and foggy when our lives were taken.

A murdered baby laying on the ground, calling for help that cannot come.

My life was stolen.

I never got my birthday.

I didn’t get to be a child.

I never knew friends.

I won’t ride a bike Or laugh Or cry

Only die.

Climate Change

by Tom L

Lost plastic lurks about

Innocent people tortured by drought

Towers sparked and blazing

Terrain all around fading

Extinction is on the horizon

Reverse is not an option

County Lines

by Riley L

People being recruited into South-London gangs

Each knife carried is an innocent life taken

Cocaine in fluffy pink pencil cases

Knives instead of crayons

Ham sandwiches replaced with huckleberry vapes

Attacked in broad daylight when coming home from school

Mothers crying, watching their babies dying

Our Queen

by Mia H

The daily news reporter wells up and reports her death

Howling, weeping, unable to believe she is gone

Everyone thought she would be here forever

Mourning her death, her subjects sniffling

Our majesty lying motionless, resting in peace

No-one expected her reign to end now

Ambitious and hardworking, her family rise to their places

Resting peacefully after a life of commitment

Children hide tears cried for their beloved mother

Happiness fills their memories

Suicide

by Amy S

I don’t know what to say.

There are no words.

What made you think I wasn’t there to listen?

I wish you were here.

I’d hug you so tight.

I picture you, making your final journey high up in the sky.

It’s beautiful, you are beautiful.

All I want is one last goodbye.

I’d hug you so tight.

I look back at the time we’ve spent together…

How I would ask how you were.

I can’t imagine the lies you told

As the words “I’m fine” escaped.

I look up and pick you out a star in the sky

Big, beautiful, bright… Like your smile.

And, just as I can’t hold that star

I can no longer hug you tight.

Just remember, not all heroes wear capes.

In reality, words is all it takes.