Remembrance is both collective and deeply personal. It connects us to the sacrifices of previous generations while inspiring us to honour the service and sacrifice of the present Armed Forces community.
For children and young people from forces families, the day carries additional meanings. It is a formal recognition of the contributions of their loved ones. It’s also a cause for reflection on how their lives are different due to their parent or other family member’s service.
The dual meanings of Remembrance were succinctly described by Elizabeth, a young person involved with Forces Children Scotland: ‘I think it is about remembering people who were in the wars, but also who have been, or are currently, in the military. It also means to me, that we need to be recognised as we, as a family, serve in our own way as well.’
On Remembrance Sunday, Forces Children Scotland had the privilege of remembering the fallen and paying our respects to all who serve at the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony in Edinburgh.
For our CEO, Steven Sweeney, “it was an honour and incredible experience to lay our Forces Children Scotland Wreath, shoulder to shoulder with other organisations who support Veterans and their families. We were proud to play our small part in the Ceremony at the Stone of Remembrance. We will remember them.”
Photo: Royal British Legion Scotland
Here are some thoughts from Meg Thomas, our Deputy CEO and Policy Lead, on the significance of Remembrance Day for the babies, children and young people we serve.
One of the things I hear often when I talk about the separations experienced by children and young people from forces families is: “But there are lots of jobs that involve separation — is there really any difference?”
One of my best friends has a husband who works offshore. Our children are the same age. When she was parenting two under two alone, I was her village — sometimes leaving my own babies in the middle of the night to watch hers while she sought medical help. I saw how tough it was when he was away, but I also saw the rhythm to her life: when he was home, he was really home — present, predictable, and safe.
That predictability is the first big difference. She knew when he was coming and going. She knew where he was. She could reassure her children. And when he was home, there was no trace of his job in their day-to-day life.For forces families, it’s different. There’s uncertainty. There’s risk. There’s Service Law.
Service Law means those who serve are always on. They can be deployed at any time, often with no notice. Families can be left with little or no information about where they are or when they’ll return. Even during downtime, they remain subject to military discipline and command. There is no true “off duty.”
And that’s what I think about on Remembrance Day.
Not only those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but those who live with the weight of service every single day — partners, parents, and children whose whole lives are shaped by it.
This Remembrance Day, let’s widen the circle of remembrance — to include those still serving, and the families who stand behind them, living every day under Service Law. Their sacrifices deserve to be remembered too.