Heritage

80 heritage for peace and reconciliation | manual for teacherContentsCommemorating the First World War and Underwater Cultural HeritageOn the occasion of the Centenary of the First World War, and to call attention tothe threat to underwater cultural heritage from that conflict, UNESCO called onall vessels at sea to commemorate the occasion by flying the ship’s flags or ensigns athalf-mast on 28 June 2014. Ships in harbour were encouraged to sound their hornsin remembrance at 7 p.m. on the same day, signalling the hour that the first shot wasfired in the conflict. These symbolic acts were suggested as a call for peace and reconciliation,to remember the victims who perished in the War and to remind us of theneed to protect the underwater cultural heritage from that period.In addition, divers were also encouraged to visit underwater cultural heritage fromthe First World War in a responsible and respectful way, once again calling for thecommemoration and protection of the shipwrecks.tt Teaching tipWhen schools are involved in commemorative ceremonies, teachers usually encounterlocal authorities or local organizations responsible for the event. Not everyone isattentive to the presence or involvement of youth. In some cases, students are presentbut not involved. We recommend that the teachers and students consult with theorganizations involved in advance and offer suggestions for youth involvement. It isquite important for the students to feel that they are being included. For example, studentscould recite a poem, give a brief report of a peace project that has been addressedat school, or sing a song. Finally, if students will be performing a task, it is importantto rehearse ahead of time.Harboøre cemetery,Jutland, Denmark. Thegraves of two Germanand one British soldierfound on the Danishcoast. It is known thatthe soldier buried inthe middle died duringan air raid on Ostende,Belgium. © DirkTimmermans, courtesyof UNA/Flanders