School visits for war veterans

Veterans are being drafted into primary schools as part of a project to ensure youngsters and their families stay connected with the events of the Second World War.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2010, 23:53 BST
Updated 3rd Oct 2010, 23:55 BST

Children at Sheffield's Concord Junior School were the latest to receive a visit. Don Walker and Gordon Drabble spoke to pupils

Recent research revealed a shocking level of ignorance among under-16s about the conflict, with 13 per cent of children believing a Third World War had happened. A further 22 per cent did not know if their family had been involved in the Second World War and 13 per cent said they only learned about it from films or computer games.

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The volunteer veterans have agreed to go into schools as part of the Keep the Memories Alive campaign, which is sponsored by South Yorkshire-based coach firm Leger Holidays.

Concord Junior School teacher, Gavin Chadwick said: "Having the war veterans visit our school is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to get real-life accounts.

"Much of our work is based around the experiences of those who endured these times and seldom have the children had the opportunity to talk about these moments with those who lived them first hand."

Related topics:VeteransSheffield