The entire Senior School gathered today for Highgate’s annual Act of Remembrance.
Pupils joined the Chaplain and senior leaders to deliver a moving presentation of readings and music, taking time for community reflection.
The two Heads of School read words from the local Royal British Legion and Edward Thomas’s poem “Gone, gone again”. Highgate’s flagship choir, Chorale, sang “Crossing the Bar” by Hubert Parry and a pupil from the brass ensemble performed the Last Post before a two minute silence.
Members of the Highgate Combined Cadet Force (CCF) provided ceremonial support for the event, which marks an important occasion in their busy year-round schedule.
Emma, who performed in the CCF colour party, reflected: “I am extremely proud to have been involved in the school’s Remembrance events. My involvement has made me reflect on how important it is to remember the sacrifices that so many people made a long time ago to allow us to lead the comfortable lives that we have today. Perhaps most of all, I have been struck by how many OCs were killed in the two World Wars and how most of them were just a few years older than me when they were required to put on a uniform, leave their families and friends and fight.”
Rosalia, who was also part of the colour party, added: “The main take away from the process was the importance of a team. Remembrance Day has its foundations in community, and this is reflected throughout preparation as well as the day itself. We have learnt how to work together efficiently as a team, and have learnt how to work well under pressure. It is an amazing privilege to be able to take part in any kind of Remembrance event, and so I am proud of how we have been able to come together as a whole contingent to mourn those that lost their lives for us in all wars across the world.”
Pupil Head of School, Peter, concluded: “The Remembrance Service is the only time the whole school comes together as one community to honour the men and women across the world who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. It’s an honour to play a small part in such an important occasion and to help the community reflect together.”
