To be a Pilgrim is to remember, Episode 8
At 11 am yesterday, Thursday 11 November (on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month) Pilgrims all over the school joined in a solemn act of remembrance, the Two-Minute Silence. We joined millions of others in the country, in UK military bases around the world, as well as people in Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
A moment before, Junior and Senior boys were running around playing and otherwise having break outside. The Pre-Prep boys, teachers and other staff joined them, and when Mr Duncan rang the School bell, immediately, everyone (wearing their red poppies) stopped still and stood in silence as we remembered the greatest sacrifice that men and women in our armed forces have made by giving their lives for us and our country in wars and conflicts since the First World War. The sacrifice of these service men and women, as well as those who have been injured whether physically, mentally or emotionally, both in recent conflicts and historically, have ensured our security and that we all have the freedom to enjoy our lives freely and happily today. The boys have learnt about this in assemblies, tutor groups, history and other forums.
As the School came to a stop, the moving sound of the Last Post, played by three trumpeters: George in Year 6, Alex in Year 7, and Thomas in Year 8, rang out across the Grid, Quad, Yard and the whole school. We all stood in thought to observe the two-minute silence and afterwards our three trumpeters the played the Reveille before the School slowly came back to life, so to speak.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Pilgrims wore their poppies proudly yesterday as they will do again tomorrow morning in our Remembrance Service in Winchester College Chapel and as we lay a wreath on behalf of the whole School in the War Cloister. We are very honoured that Commander Bryony Carpenter of the Royal Navy, and a Pilgrim parent of course, has agreed to speak at the service tomorrow, and thank her in advance. The Chamber Choir will sing the Anthem and our three trumpeters will play the Last Post and Reveille again.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Robert Laurence Binyon, 1914