Today we held our annual remembrance service to reflect on and give thanks for the sacrifice of those who fell in the struggle for freedom in the world wars and subsequent conflicts. On this day we particularly recall those Old Armachians who died as a result of conflict. This was a very different service with significantly reduced numbers In attendance to enable social distancing and a shortened order of service. Nevertheless, we believed it was essential at a time of uncertainty to bring to mind the timeless values of faithfulness, duty, and the service of humanity.
We were very pleased that one of our governors, Rev. Malcolm Kingston of St. Marks, Armagh officiated. In his short address, the headmaster drew lessons from the story of the unknown warrior, reflecting on how this man of whom we know nothing is yet a symbol to us of an ideal of service and duty, a reminder that in death we are all equal and honour is due not because of who we are but because of what we do for others.
Following the service, wreaths were laid at the school war memorials.
The Unknown Warrior’s Grave Inscription
The Queen’s Equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, left, places a bouquet of flowers at the grave of the Unknown Warrior on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, during a ceremony to mark the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior, in Westminster Abbey, London, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020.
