"For your tomorrow we gave our today" St Cuthbert's remembers the fallen.

"When you go home

tell them of us and say,

for your tomorrow

we gave our today."

The Kohima Epitaph

On Monday 11th November those pupils who serve as members of Cadet Forces, the Scout Association and other volunteer groups gathered to celebrate our annual Act of Remembrance. Fr Damian Cassidy OCarm. kindly joined us from the parish of St John Vianney to celebrate Holy Mass for and with us.

Corporals Connor Hannon (Army Cadets) and Kenzie Parker (Air Cadets) drilled the servicemen throughout the week and they looked majestic as they marched into the Main Hall before Mass began. Kenzie, as banner-bearer for his unit, was able to bring his colours to the Mass and these were presented at the altar before Mass as Connor laid a wreath to remember fallen former-pupils and staff. Their entrance was followed by our musicians and choir leading the congregation of Year 8 in a moving rendition of Abide with Me. The theme of the Mass was 'Peace' and Fr Damian spoke passionately about his personal experiences with those who have been affected by warzones. When Mass had concluded, we paused to listen to 'The Exhortation' and held a two-minute silence. Our servicemen then proudly marched out of the Hall to hold a private ceremony in the Chapel.

At 11am the school fell silent for two minutes as teachers led their classes in silence and a short liturgy. Our servicemen marched onto the yard in parade and led the two-minute silence following the playing of the Last Post.

Ever-living God

We remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war

into the peace of your presence;

May that same peace calm our fears,

bring justice to all peoples

and establish harmony among the nations.

Amen