Message from Mr Hymer: 11 November 2022
On Wednesday we hosted our Remembrance Service attended by many of our Year 5 parents. It is always a most poignant reminder of why we fall silent and remember those who served their country and gave their lives during our recent wars. Etched on the walls are the names of the young men from Warwick School who gave their lives in service of their country. It is impossible to read the list and not to appreciate the most profound impact the news of their deaths must have had on the school community. The long-standing teachers of that time would have taught many of those who were killed whilst serving. Each and every loss must have been heartfelt. It is also important that boys experience and learn the symbolism and pageantry associated with Remembrance, including the laying of wreaths and playing of the Last Post.
Four years ago, on the eve of the centenary of the end of the First World War, we challenged the boys to see if they could find out more about the service of family members from the past. The results were quite extraordinary. Many boys were able to track down the records of family members serving in the First and Second World War. A number of families still had medals and documents from great-grandparents. It proved to be an excellent way to connect with the past and for the boys to appreciate the sacrifices made by distant family members. Some boys and families were genuinely surprised to find out so much about their relations’ war service.
It may be a fascinating journey for families to repeat this journey and to give Remembrance even more significance. I would be delighted to meet with any boys who are able to document their discoveries. Hopefully many of our boys will gather to fall silent this Sunday when stillness and silence is called for at their rugby clubs or when watching the national act of Remembrance from the Cenotaph.
