Keeping veterans' memories alive

Pupils are being invited to highlight the importance of remembrance. Pic: Michael Gillen.

Primary school pupils are being asked to pick up their cameras and make a short film that highlights how conflicts have impacted on their local community.

Launched last week, ‘Films of Remembrance’ is the fourth annual school competition organised by Legion Scotland (Royal British Legion Scotland), the largest ex-service membership charity in Scotland.

Working in partnership with The British Forces Broadcasting Service Scotland (BFBS), the charity is asking Scottish primary school pupils to record a two-minute documentary, TV report or short film which explores the impact of conflict on their local community, the importance of remembrance, and the roles that local veterans have played.

Kevin Gray MM, chief executive officer of Legion Scotland, said: “No community in Scotland has been left untouched by the impact of war over the last 100 years, and that is why we are asking pupils to research their community’s involvement in conflicts, whether it be unearthing the story behind a local war memorial, speaking to a veteran who has memories of war, or to the families of those who have served.

“We believe that educating young people about their community’s history and the effect conflicts have had on their doorstep is a vital part of their heritage. By asking them to put the stories they uncover onto film they will play a key role in helping to preserve important memories for future generations to watch and learn from.”

This year the national competition, will award the winners with an opportunity to perfect their filming and interview techniques during a BFBS multimedia workshop hosted in their school. The winning pupils will also get the chance to be part of the BFBS Scotland breakfast show.

Registration for the competition must be made by October 16 with entries then submitted by November 24. Entries will then be collated and a select number will be chosen by Legion Scotland and put to a public on-line vote with the results announced mid-December. Schools can register to take part at www.legionscotland.org.uk/schools.