Remembrance Day project connects County Durham pupils

Pupils from St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Coundon, will lay poppy crosses on the graves of servicemen buried in their community at St James Churchyard Coundon on Tuesday, November 11.

The project is led by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and aims to foster a personal connection between the children and those who served from their own community.

Children with Deputy Head Teacher Sarah Dove, and SSAFA volunteers Mike Donne and Steve Foster (Image: Supplied)

Mike Donne, deputy branch chair and caseworker at SSAFA Durham, 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.

Children from St Josephs RC Primary School Coundon at the graveside (Image: Supplied)

"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."

The idea was inspired by the tradition of Dutch children tending to the graves of Allied soldiers in the Netherlands.

Eighteen pupils from years five and six will each honour a serviceman buried in Coundon Cemetery.

The children wrote messages on their crosses expressing gratitude for the soldiers' service (Image: Supplied)

The cemetery contains 17 war graves, one of which bears two names, ensuring each child has someone to remember during the two-minute silence at 11am.

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, 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."

SSAFA volunteers have supported the Armed Forces community since 1885, helping servicemen and women, both regulars and reserves, along with their families.

The charity provides support for both serving and retired personnel and their loved ones.

For more information about volunteering, fundraising, or seeking support, search for "SSAFA near me."