SCHOOLS are being invited to join veterans in marking Armistice Day to “better understand” the meaning behind the commemoration.

The Rhyl Royal British Legion (RBL) will hold its annual ceremony at Rhyl Memorial Gardens in November in memory of fallen British troops, but this year there are hopes that schoolchildren will be present to mark the occasion.

Armistice Day is centred on the truce signed between Allied forces and Germany at 11am on November 11, but serves as a moment to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by British soldiers during and since the First World War.

The ceremony has been organised by Rhyl RBL organiser Richard Kendrick and is often well attended by veterans aged up to 70 years old.

The service, led by Reverend Chris Spencer and followed by a speech from Mr Kendrick, will be attended by veterans, the mayor of Rhyl, cadet leaders and councillors, while MPs and MSs have been invited.

Schools attending so far include Christ The Word, Ysgol Emmanuel, Ysgol Tir Morfa, Ysgol Brynheddryd and Rhyl High School, while schools in Prestatyn, Rhuddlan and Abergele are also being contacted.

Pupils will attend with their teachers and will hold their own assembly to share what they learned with their classmates.

“We are trying to get more children involved as we don’t want kids to just think, ‘it’s November so we wear a poppy’,” said Mr Kendrick.

“We want them to understand why and where money raised by poppies goes to.

“We want to teach children and give them a better understanding that the Poppy Appeal helps veterans and the families of soldiers who haven’t come home.”

A Rhyl RBL event to recruit people to its committee and other volunteer roles is also being held at the Vale Pub at 2pm on Sunday, October 3.