Pupils and staff hold special Act of Remembrance at Cookstown High School War Memorial
A special Act of Remembrance at Cookstown High School War Memorial attended by pupils, governors, special guests and staff took place on Tuesday, November 11.
At this short service, led by Rev Jonathan Sloan, wreaths were laid by David Lennox on behalf of the Former Pupils’ Association, and the Head Girl on behalf of the school.
The Head Girl, Lois Simpson, read the poem ‘For our Today’ by Michael R J Wilson, and the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mrs Lynne Dripps read from Psalm 90. Head Boy, Matt Barrett, gave The Exhortation, taken from those famous words of Laurence Binyon which begin, ‘They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old’.
The chamber choir sang ‘I will wait for you’ Psalm 130, and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Emiily Glasgow. James Barbour gave the ‘Kohima Epitaph’, and Jack Suitor played the Lament. Following the laying of the wreaths, Deputy Head Boy, James Howard read ‘We shall keep the faith’ by L Binyon.
Each year, Cookstown High School has a particular focus of those great conflicts, a reminder that every contribution, no matter the scale or setting, was vital. Regardless of rank or title, their courage, faithfulness, and duty were no less noble and played an essential role on the front line of service.
Principal, Miss Gwyneth Evans, reminded the audience of the significant role that many from Cookstown played in the war effort.
Miss Evans added: “Today, we remember these men – and countless others like them – who left behind families, friends, and familiar streets to serve in faraway places.”