b'REMEMBRANCE ASSEMBLY 2023King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School forand compassion, and celebrating differences rather Boys held its annual Remembrance Assembly inthan allowing them to create obstacles, actions Big School on Friday 10th November 2023. Year 7we can all contribute towards as steps on the students were present in person for the ceremonyroad to peace. The Headmaster emphasised core whilst the remainder of the school had an extendedvalues such as freedom, unity and hope as ways form time in which the assembly was live-streamedof strengthening bonds between people in order to via Teams. A number of guests were welcomed tocreate a just and tolerant society.HGS representing the Bridge Trust Society and the Armed Forces. Everyone across the school fell silent for two minutes during the service to remember those who had served their country by making the ultimate sacrifice. Old Boy and former Charity Trustee, Mr Jim McAvan, led the Act of Remembrance, whilst the Headmaster, Dr Simon Bird, delivered a timely and thought-provoking introduction which highlighted the necessity to work towards peace in all we do. He drew attention to important values in life such as showing respectMr Simon Farrell, an Old Boy and Charity Trustee, and tolerance towards others, acting with kindnessrepresenting the Bridge Trust Society, laid the memorial wreath with Abdul Shaker, one of our senior prefects, who represented the present school student body.The guest speaker at this years Remembrance Assembly was Mr Matt Hughes who spoke about his full and varied career serving in the army, as well as offering a personal reflection about what Remembrance Day means to him, both as a member of the armed forces and on a more personal level. In a moving speech, Mr Hughes shared some of his military experiences, which have taken him around the world, and reflected in a moving way on times when he had been affected by the loss of life, recognising the ultimate sacrifice which serving men and women often make in times of conflict. He concluded his address with the hope that an end to conflict and a renewed commitment to reconciliation would create a world in which everyone can live their lives fully, using their gifts and talents for the benefit of others.40'