Remembrance Sunday

"We dedicate this day to all the heroes and heroines in this country and the rest of the world who sacrificed in many ways and surrendered their lives that we could be free." - Nelson Mandela On Sunday, 13 November at 11h00 the school fell silent in remembrance of our fallen Georgians and all those who give their lives in times of conflict for a better future for all South Africans. The Flag Bearers carried their flags in to the school chapel from the bell tower just before 11h00 taking their place around the altar and at the war memorial, before Mr Emslie (Drama Teacher) played the "Last Post" on the trumpet. The flags were draped on the floor and the 2 minute silence was observed in honour of and reflection on the dedication of our fallen.

The South African Flag was lowered to half-mast as the silence was observed.

The reveille broke the silent reflection and the bell was tolled 21 times. The "Art of Remembrance" was read out by an Old Georgian and followed by the reading of the "Commitment to Remember" read by the incoming deputy head of the Portfolio Leadership Network, Aisha Ismail. The poppy wreath was laid at the war memorial in the Garden of Remembrance. In closing "The Lord's Prayer" was said and the hymn "I Vow To Thee" was played as the flag bearers led the procession out. Thank you to Mr Cannon for joining this year's ceremony.

Act of Remembrance They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Commitment to Remember They were young, as we are young. They served, giving freely of themselves. To them, we pledge, amid the winds of time, To carry their torch and never forget. We will remember them. Interesting Notes The school War Memorial was unveiled in April 1924 and was guarded by the School Cadets at its unveiling at St George's Cathedral. Made of a tablet of Indian teak, the Maltese cross market the teams of those who fell. Inspired by the soldiers who gave their lives in World War I, veteran Vic Clapham came up with the idea of staging a race in their honour and memory. This race became the Comrades Marathon (1921). The reason we wear poppies... We do not glorify war. We remember - with humility - the great and the ultimate sacrifices that were made, not just in this war, but in every war and conflict where lives were lost - to ensure the liberty and freedoms that we now take for granted. Lines taken from "Alive With Poppies" by Tomos Roberts a.k.a. Tomfoolery (2021) And so in this room Alive with poppies, with petals red and, leaf of green, a symbol echoing their sacrifice a memory guarding what it means, we share this moment of remembrance, we remember all who came before, as through remembering, we honour them and hold that hope forever more.