The whole community joined together in an act of remembrance as the School united in memory of those who have lost their lives in warfare since the First World War. This year’s service was particularly poignant as the RGS welcomed Old Guildfordian Mr Bob Howell. Bob served a Short Service Commission from 1959 –1962 and five years on Army Emergency Reserve (AER); he has been a loyal supporter and friend of the School for many years. Bob laid a wreath in memory of the old boys; School Captain, Louis Wilby, laid a wreath on behalf of the staff and students of the School. Upper Sixth Form History student Dan Taylor then delivered an inspiring, reflective address on the role of the poppy in our acts of remembrance for those who gave up their futures for our present.
As Dan said, “We owe them a greater debt than we can comprehend. Each soldier gave up their hopes and dreams, their family, and their way of life for us. They fought so that we could pursue our hopes and dreams, love our families, and live our daily lives. They have taught us to be bold as they were. We now must shape the world that we live in so that it may become a better place for those who will come after us.” This message was powerfully brought home by the crosses which were placed on the front lawn. 58 crosses represented each one of our Old Guildfordians who died in the First World War: the youngest being just 19. These crosses depicted individuals who had walked the same corridors and had the same youthful dreams and aspirations as our students today. To recognise the link between generations, the name and age of those who died has been handwritten on each cross by a current RGS student.