A moving Act of Remembrance

November 13, 2020
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Pupils from Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen this week took part in various Acts of Remembrance.  

Wing Commander Dan Montgomery – Officer Commanding of the College’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) unit – said: “Although it was not possible to hold our annual Service of Remembrance in the MacRobert Hall and the parade immediately thereafter, we were delighted to have all cadets, pipers and drummers together on Tuesday 10 November.

“Our moving Act of Remembrance was conducted by Rev Louis Kinsey QVRM TD VR in front of the Auld Hoose, which was floodlit in red in our tribute to the Scottish Poppy Appeal ‘Light Up Red’ initiative this year.”

Parade Commander Captain Paul carried the Gordon Campbell Sword which was gifted by the family of Gordonian Corporal Gordon Campbell, Royal Marines and Special Boat Service, who died in 2006 while serving his country. Following the parade, a wreath was laid at the War Memorial by Head of College, Robin Macpherson who said: “It was vitally important that we mark the contribution of our former pupils who fell in service. Restrictions imposed this year have made us pause to appreciate our freedom more than ever, and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who went before us to protect that freedom. It was a highly dignified service in the Quad and I’m grateful to everyone who took part for making it so poignant.”

Wg Cdr Montgomery added: “I am extremely grateful to Gordonian and former CCF colleague Flt Lt Harvey Pole (Class of ‘58) who, although not able to attend our event in person this year, took the time during our event to visit the war graves of Gordonians in Springbank Cemetery and to place a poppy on each grave. 

“It was highly gratifying to be able to hold our event this year and to see our cadets, and particularly those who have joined in S2 in the past few months, observe what is without doubt the most significant of all events in the CCF calendar.”

Mr Hall, Junior School Teacher commented: “P7H hosted a virtual Remembrance Assembly for Junior School pupils who all joined in from their classrooms throughout the school. The pupils leading the assembly shared readings and spoke about the Act of Remembrance.”

School Captains, Angus and Tito, hosted a virtual assembly for Senior pupils which was followed by the 2 minute silence at 11am.