Time to reflect and remember at college
SILENCE fell across Loughborough College on Monday morning in remembrance of those who have died in conflict.
Public services students stood to attention and representatives from Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal British Legion were joined by Nicky Morgan and Charnwood Borough Council leader Jonathan Morgan as the college came together for an Armistice Day service introduced by Chief Executive John Doherty and led by Revd Chris Taylor.
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae was read by lecturer Anthony Louch before bugler and public services student Georgina Dove played the Last Post and those gathered observed two minutes’ silence. After Georgina played Reveille, dignitaries came forward to lay wreaths of poppies.
Students, who had spent weeks in drill preparation with lecturer Jesse Jackson for the event, which was organised by lecturer Simon Smith, then talked to guests about their recent trip to Belgium to Ypres, scene of many World War One battles, and to the world’s largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Tyne Cot.
Loughborough College CEO John Doherty said: “Every year at this time our college comes together to remember and reflect. This morning’s service provided a powerful opportunity for us to honour all those whose lives have been lost during conflict and to pay tribute to the continued sacrifices made on our behalf in the pursuit of peace by our service men and women.”