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.
from a Poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
Since 2014, and amidst rising nationalism in many of our nations, we have been experiencing the centenary of the First World War. This will end on Sunday 11th November, both Armistice or Remembrance Day and our Remembrance Sunday and for which many in Britain and The Commonwealth wear poppies, as a symbol of remembrance.
I have not infrequently found church sponsored initiatives to either miss the mark, or to be somewhat insensitive, but not on this occasion. Local guidelines and suggestions have been issued regarding the commemoration as part of an 11 Days of Remembrance initiative. In our stake members have been encouraged to attend local civic services for Remembrance Sunday, and local leaders to rearrange church meetings where necessary to accommodate this. Given that past Remembrance Sunday meetings at church have been something of a hit and miss affair, depending on local leadership, and our past absence at the civic level, this is a wholly welcome move. In addition, leaders throughout the country have been given specific permission to plan “A special Sacrament meeting to be held on Sunday 11th November 2018”, should they so wish.
I have been moved by the 11 Days of Remembrance calendar, beginning today 1st November and running through to the 11th, that has been produced, with video clips based upon moving original documents (links to transcripts of those documents are provided, along with the videos in the online calendar), the range of voices represented in the selection, and suggestions for working on an individual value for each of the 11 days.
Finally, wards or stakes have the option to put on an evening commemorative event (framework and script supplied or you can draft your own in accordance with the guidelines given), if they so desire, and if not members are still free to watch live-streaming of an event from London.
As a trumpet player, I still look forward to the day when we might see the Last Post as part of our Remembrance Sunday services and commemorations. It’s a staple of many Remembrance Day services nationwide. Nevertheless, I am encouraged by this new found support for local culture and community. Long may it continue.
Wheat & Tares 
I’m pleased to hear this! Unfortunately, here in the US we’ve watered down November 11 into “Veterans Day,” and it’s unlikely that many of us–in the church or out of it do anything at all to mark the day.
As to Last Post, surely that could be part of an evening service if the local leadership aren’t willing to allow it during your sacrament meeting. Or so I would hope.
Interesting how things are different between the UK and the US regarding 11 November. As Mark B. points out, US observance that day is for Veterans. Our equivalence to “Remembrance Day”, however, is Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May. It has its roots with the American Civil war.
This is wonderful news. Thanks, Hedgehog. Thank-you especially for linking to the video on the Christmas letter from the women in England to the women in Germany and Austria. I needed that today.
Thanks for the comments folks. I found that letter to be very moving Mary Ann.
DAY 3, 3rd November. The linked transcript would appear to bear no relation to the video. Anyone wishing to see the transcript of an interview with Sergeant Westmann, you can find that here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-one/10683313/WW1-German-soldier-recalls-moment-he-bayoneted-foe-to-death.html
The source would appear to be a previously unpublished interview with Sgt Westmann as a WW1 veteran, rather than a letter written at the time.
It’s little details like that this that can undermine trust in the current climate, unfortunately.