In crisp morning air, the names of the Fallen from the families of our School were solemnly read at the 11th hour on the 11th day, one hundred years after the guns fell silent.
For the first time in our history, the whole school, over 500 of us, assembled to honour those who gave their lives in war, particularly in the Great War of 1914-18. Quietly and respectfully, every girl stood as a weak ray of sunshine touched the poppies on their blazers.
Father Kenny led the service, the staff choir singing the 16th century anthem, Lord, for thy tender mercys sake, on the steps of the Morison Centre, before all the names were called and the verse from Laurence Binyons poem read.
The chimes of Big Ben heralded the Last Post, played by three trumpeters, ringing out over the London skyscape from the balcony of the Morison building. In the two minutes silence, we recalled the sacrifice of so many which gave us freedom and peace.
Some girls wept as they remembered relatives lost so long ago but still treasured in the families. Then the Reveille and a blessing. Francis Holland School remembered.
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.
