Remembrance Assembly 2023

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys held its annual Remembrance Assembly in Big School on Friday 10th November 2023. We held the Assembly so that Year 7 attended in person whilst the remainder of school had an extended Form time in which the Assembly was live streamed via Teams and we all observed a 2-minute silence at the same time. We welcomed a number of guests to HGS who represented the Bridge Trust Society, the Charity called Handsworth Grammar School and the Military.

Mr Jim McAvan who is an Old Boy and Former Charity Trustee led the act of Remembrance. The Headmaster delivered a very timely and thought-provoking introduction which highlighted the necessity to work towards peace in all we do. He highlighted that important facets of life such as showing respect and tolerance of each other, being kind and compassionate and celebrating our differences are all highly significant steps on the road to peace. He emphasised the need for the values of peace, freedom and hope in all we do as well as focusing upon the themes of unity and compassion.

Our guest speaker was Mr Matt Hughes who spoke about his varied and full career in the Army as well as what Remembrance means to him as a professional and on a personal level. It was very moving to hear about his experiences which have taken him around the world in a variety of roles. He reflected on the loss of life, the ultimate sacrifice that people make in times of conflict and the hope for peace and reconciliation through acts of remembrance and humanitarian aid.

Mr Simon Farrell who is an Old Boy and Charity Trustee laid the wreath on behalf of the Bridge Trust Society along with Abdul Shaker, one of our Senior Prefects, who laid the wreath on behalf of t he school.

This is one of the most import events in the calendar for a school like HGS.

Lest we forget.

A time to remember those who died, those who served and those who carry on.

Haec Olim Meminisse Iuvabit