School Gathers for Service of Remembrance

On November 11^th, pupils, staff, guests and Old Vigornians gathered in the Cathedral for a service of Remembrance to honour Armistice Day.

Heads of School, Dan A and Sonali P, along with OV, Andrew Reekes (Ch 64-69), laid a wreath in honour of The Fallen. This was followed by a reading from Senior Scholars, Bentley L and Samantha C, and prayers led by School Chaplain, Reverend Dr Dorsett, as well as a number of hymns.

The Anthem for the year’s Remembrance Service was Hymn for the Fallen, by John Williams, well-known as the theme tune to the dramatic 1990s film Saving Private Ryan.

The School Choir was joined by an ensemble of pupils who accompanied the vocalising choir in an atmospheric performance of the same repertoire that was performed at the Belgium Music Tour in 2024.

Congratulations to Music Scholar, Charlie M, for his contribution in playing the last post. This is a very significant piece of music in the service, and takes courage when playing in front of 1000 members of the school community.

Addressing the large congregation, Head of Foundation, Mr Charles, said: “Through wreath-laying, readings, hymns and prayers, we unite as a community to honour their sacrifice and to renew our commitment to peace.”

Mr Charles also read some poignant lines from a number of poems that talk about remembrance and the significance of poppies in honouring those who lost their lives in conflicts, as well as the countless others whose lives were affected.

Read Mr Charles’ full address here.