On Monday morning, St Peter’s held a Service of Remembrance in honour of all the brave men and women who lost their lives throughout war and conflicts in service of their country.
The service took place on the 11th day of the 11th month, and held a moment of silence at 11:00 o’clock, to recognise the time the armistice was signed in 1918 to end World War I. The service opened with a message from Head Master Jeremy Walker and an introduction for special guest Colonel (Retd) Jamie Baxter, who went on to give a poignant sermon about the importance of Remembrance.
Colonel Baxter joined the Army in 1991, and after service in the Reserves and Regular Army, gained his Officer commission at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He entered into the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and served in many countries, including Germany, Australia and the UK, as well as Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Iraq where he saw active service as an Infantry Officer. In 2008, he transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps where he again served in many countries and saw more active duty in Afghanistan and Mali with the European Union mission. Colonel Baxter also went on to command a Medical Regiment in Belfast before finishing as Commander Medical of the First Division in York. He retired after 33 years of service in February of this year. We were grateful to Colonel Baxter for his sermon and his service for our country.
The rest of the service was comprised of moving musical performances by our own choir, as well as a violin rendition of Nunc Dimittis in E flat, No. 2 (Charles Wood, 1866-1926) by Ethan S. The CCF participated with a special Act of Remembrance by Katie and Trumpet solo by Ethan W before the two minutes silence. The chaplain led the congregation through prayers for peace and commemoration.
The service concluded with the Laying of Wreaths on the war memorial in the ante-chapel by the Head Master, the Chairman and the Board of Governors, the president of the Old Peterite Club, and the Heads of School and a representative from the CCF.
It was a beautiful and moving service, thanks to all involved.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget — lest we forget!
- Rudyard Kipling
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