Lest We Forget: Remembrance 100
By Jules Wooding, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life
In this commemorative year we turn our thoughts to the centenary of the end of the Great War, the First World War as it came to be known.
After four years exhausted by war, an armistice was signed between Germany and the Allies on 11 November 1918. For families and communities, celebration was tainted by the grief for those who would not be returning home.
The need for collective remembrance manifested itself in community war memorials. Funds were raised to help provide memorials offering a focal point for people to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Today, Cumbrian memorials can be seen across the county varying from cenotaphs to statues, parks to hospitals providing that continuous reminder.
During the 1920s, charitable organisations emerged providing support and assistance for ex-servicemen and their families. This period saw the emergence of the poppy, inspired by John McCrae’s famous poem, which became a symbol of Remembrance used by the Haig Fund later renamed the British Legion. The iconic poppy is still with us today worn annually in November when the nation collectively ‘remembers.’
This year Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life has embarked on an ambitious remembrance-themed project supported by Heritage Lottery Funding. Exploring how we remember, why we remember and how Remembrance has evolved over time, the Museum is keen for people to think about what remembrance means to them.
Currently, the Remembrance100 Open Art exhibition is displaying artwork at the Museum of Military Life by local people who creatively explored the meaning of Remembrance which has produced an exceptional thought-provoking exhibition. The museum, located within Carlisle Castle, is an apt location as the Castle was home to the local infantry regiment. The museum is full of stories and artefacts that remember the individuals who were part of the regiment, and later this year a temporary exhibition ‘Lest We Forget’ will explore Remembrance and commemoration in greater depth.
Although the First World War was the catalyst for change in how we commemorate and remember, the Museum is keen to remind people that Remembrance continues today and as the Royal British Legion states ‘…it is for everyone affected by conflict, past and present.’ In 2018, it is important we remember all those who served throughout the last one hundred years. Lest We Forget.
‘Lest We Forget – Remembrance 100’ 8 September – 25 November 2018
Free Community Art workshops for all exploring Remembrance:
Saturday 4 August at the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth
Thursday 23 August at the Discovery Centre in Millom
Saturday 15 September at Penrith & Eden Museum
Remembrance themed Family Friendly Holiday Workshops:
Every Wednesday 11-3pm at the Museum in the Castle from 25 July – 29 August
For further details and admission prices visit www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org
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