Hundreds of staff and students at Cirencester College gathered today for a Remembrance Service to honour service men and women whose lives were lost or affected by conflict.
The annual service was opened by Uniformed Services students, who marched to gather at the College cenotaph. Principal Matt Reynolds welcomed attendees with a poignant speech, which emphasised the importance of honouring those from Britain and the Commonwealth, for the sacrifices they made and continue to make today. Students gathered were particularly moved to hear that many of those who gave their lives were of the same age as them.
Reverend Canon Michael Irving led the prayers, and a choir of students from The Sundial Theatre Company, the College’s student-led theatre group, led the crowd in singing Jerusalem.
This was followed by a heartfelt performance of The Climb by Miley Cyrus before Year 2 student Takiyah recited ‘Do not Stand at My Grave and Weep’ by Clare Harner.
After the trench whistle, students involved with the Cadets and St. John Ambulance laid wreaths on the cenotaph before the last post was played and a two-minute silence was observed. Uniformed Services then marched to close the service.
The service was also watched by people at home and in classrooms via a livestream facilitated by students in the College’s Media department.
College Principal Matt Reynolds said “This is such a valuable ceremony for the College. I’m so proud of our students for their enthusiastic engagement with Remembrance. The fact that so many who gave their lives for our freedoms today were hardly any older than the young people who are here today is not lost on anybody. A wonderful turnout by our College community.”
For more information on this story please contact chloe.suter@cirencester.ac.uk
