On Friday (as I do everyday) I asked my children after school how was their day and if anything special happened at school.
My youngest, who is at one of the local primary schools, told me they had their usual Friday school assembly. I asked him if D-Day was discussed but he told me it wasn’t even mentioned. As it’s a landmark anniversary I am saddened the school did nothing to mark the occasion. Great Britain would be a very different place today had it not been for the bravery of those who took part in the D-Day landings.
Young people are often accused of showing no respect for their elders. This was a perfect opportunity to celebrate what was achieved by a group of real life heroes. The number of veterans reduces drastically each year and soon there will no longer be any survivors left to share their stories with us. The only way to keep their memories alive is to celebrate what they sacrificed for us.
No-one wants to glorify war but this conflict was of great importance to the UK as it defined us as a nation. It would be interesting to see if the Department of Education has any guidelines for schools on how to cover these events. I have a feeling that the upcoming World Cup will get more coverage at morning assemblies than D-Day did.
On a positive note my elder child, at secondary school, told me that the headteacher did cover the anniversary at their assembly.
M Murray
Reservoir Drive, Oakwood
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here