We Will Remember Them

At the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, English poet Laurence Binyon wrote the poem “For the Fallen.” It was to honour British soldiers who were dying in France on the Western Front in WWI. Over 100 years later the Ode to Remember from this poem is read at Remembrance Day services throughout the Commonwealth.

At the Cenotaph at King’s-Edgehill School we reflected as Master Warrant Officer Yasu Hojo '25 read the following excerpt that poet Laurence Binyon penned so many years ago on the cornish cliffs while gazing into the sea.

“They shall not grow 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.”

Impressed by the initiative from Warrant Officer Rowan Francis '27, Mr. Joe Seagram approved the flying of the Canadian Red Ensign flag for the week of Remembrance. This was Canada’s national flag during WWI and WWII. WO Rowan Francis provided the flag and was present for the raising of the Canadian Red Ensign.

 

Each year we have a five cadet flag party from KES participate in Remembrance Day services at Hantsport School. This was led by Warrant Officer Molly Dickinson '26 and Ms. Angie Folker.

The 254 plays a significant role in the downtown Windsor Remembrance Day service. The corps Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Ann MacQuarrie '25, commands the parade of over 370 cadets. We are comprised of four companies made up of 12 platoons; and Drumline, Mil Band, and Pipes and Drums. Our Grade 11 and 12 band sang "Brothers in Arms," the school choir sang “In Remembrance” by Eleanor Daley. Sofia Ning '25 and Skye Hussey '26 led us in “O Canada” and the royal anthem, “God Save the King”. Pipe Major Ezra Sasaki '26 piped the lament. The wreath for 254 KES Highland Cadet Corps was laid by CWO Ann MacQuarrie and Captain James Skafte. The King’s-Edgehill School wreath was laid by Head Boy Warrant Officer Dami Adeniji '25 and Head Girl Master Warrant Officer Gabby Shaw '25.

This was followed by a respectful service at our own Cenotaph led by Master of Ceremonies, Master Warrant Officer Sofia Ning. Our Drill Sergeant Major, MWO Kail Brown '25 was commander for the sentry vigil at our Cenotaph. KES alumna and bugler Gretchen Archibald '24 played the Last Post and Reveille. Pipe Major MWO Ezra Sasaki piped the lament followed by Mr. Joe Seagram who read the role of the fallen.

Our youngest male and female cadets, Tim Oulton '31 and Morgan Barrett '31, laid the wreath at our somber ceremony at our Cenotaph as we honored those who had given their lives in past wars. The Regimental Sergeant CWO Major Ann MacQuarrie and Commanding Officer Captain James Skafte laid their poppies followed by the Companies laying their poppies to conclude the service.

Operations Officer, Mrs. Kiaya Lakes did so much behind the scenes and at the service to ensure that all aspects of highland dress and accoutrements were spot on! We are very proud of our affiliation with the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment of Canada. Mrs. Kiaya Lakes ensures that all aspects of ceremonies are efficiently run!

As the CO, I commend the cadets and Warrant Officers of the 254 for their reverence for things that deserve reverence. They impressed the public and myself as CO with being very well turned out in highland reds. There was not a piece of kit missing showing each cadet’s care for attention to detail.

My heartfelt thanks to our Civilian Instructors and Officers who provide the direction and supervision that ensure we are a well run Corps.

May we always seek peace. Four brutal years of war would ensue after Laurence Binyon wrote “For the Fallen.” The Armistice agreement that was signed on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, in 1918 would signal the cessation of hostilities and countless casualties of the great war.

In reverence we pay our respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war and conflict. We will remember them.