10 Ways to Honour Your Military Hero at Remembrance
Remembrance is a time of reflection, when the country unites to pay tribute to our military heroes who have served in the British Armed Forces. If you’re a bereaved military young person, this period can hold a deeply personal significance as you commemorate the life of your parent and military hero. For many, it will bring back painful memories and difficult feelings, which is why finding positive, meaningful ways to navigate your grief at this time is so important.
Not every bereaved young person will want to do something at Remembrance, which is completely fine. For those that do, the Scotty’s Team have put together this list of 10 ways bereaved military children can honour their military hero at Remembrance. Why not use these ideas to pay tribute to your parent in a way that feels right for you?
Create a Memory Scrapbook
Gather some cherished photographs and mementos of your parent and create a scrapbook full of special moments and reminders of the time you spent together. Arranging these memories in such a way could help you feel more connected to your parent and give you something to look back on whenever you feel like it.
Write a Letter
Have you ever written a letter to your parent? Writing to them can be a good way to express any feelings and unspoken words you might have. You could share updates on your life, achievements, and challenges you’ve faced. Sometimes writing our emotions down is easier than saying them aloud.
Light a Remembrance Candle
Lighting a candle and thinking of your parent is a small gesture that can help create a relaxing atmosphere and sense of closeness. For many bereaved children and young people, this is a great way to start the day and set the right mood for reflection – just remember to be careful of the flame.
Participate in Remembrance Events
Many communities organise special Remembrance events such as memorial services, vigils and walks. These are a good opportunity to connect with others who understand your grief and can provide a strong sense of support.
Plant Something in Their Memory
Planting something in memory of your parent is a meaningful way to remember them from home. It also means you will always have a special place where you can feel close to them in the garden.
Support a Cause in Their Memory
Select a charitable cause related to your parent's interests or military service. By supporting a cause close to their heart, you can channel your grief into something constructive and empowering, all the while knowing you’re making a positive difference in their memory.
Share Stories and Memories
Speak to friends and family members who knew your parent and share stories and memories with them. You might tell someone something they didn’t know, or even find out something yourself. Simply speaking about someone we loved can be one of the best ways to keep them in our thoughts.
Listen to Their Favourite Music
Music is a great way to bring back memories and help us feel more connected to a person. Why not spend some time listening and remembering? Music is great at reminding us of times and places we may have forgotten.
Visit Somewhere Special to Them
If possible, plan a visit to somewhere that was special to your parent. By spending time and immersing yourself in a place that meant a lot to them, you might find yourself seeing it in a different light and feeling even more connected to your loved one.
Take part in the two-minute silence
Join the country in honouring your parent's memory during Remembrance by taking part in the two-minute silence. You can use the time to focus your thoughts on your parent's memory. You might recall cherished moments, remember their dedication to their service, or simply reflect on the impact they had on your life.
Supporting bereaved military children
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a tri-service charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Services offered to Scotty’s members include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
