Lest We Forget — Issue 11

On Remembrance Day we reflected on the great cost of war, “Lest We Forget.” These few words are deep and meaningful, which we see engraved on cenotaphs around the Commonwealth, including at King’s-Edgehill School.

In 1897 Rudyard Kipling wrote the Christian poem entitled Recessional. This biblical expression was first used in a military context to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

The phrase occurs eight times and is repeated at the end of the first four stanzas in order to add particular emphasis regarding the dangers of failing to remember.

The phrase would later become common after the First World War across the British Commonwealth, especially becoming linked with Remembrance Day. The phrase “Lest We Forget” is a plea not to forget past sacrifices.

On Remembrance Day we started the day forming up by platoon on the Tanna Turf at 9:00 am. We first had the Remembrance Day service at the Windsor Cenotaph and then a second and shorter service at the King’s-Edgehill School Cenotaph.

Led by the Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Will Larder ’26, all were well turned out and ready to pay their respects. The RSM commands the Corps of over 375 cadets. We are comprised of four companies made up of 12 platoons, with a Mil Band and Pipes & Drums. All cadets received a poppy, had their Highland reds inspected, along with a few medal presentations that took place. Then we all marched downtown as an entire School body and Cadet Corps to the Windsor Cenotaph for the Remembrance Day service. At the 254, we have a significant role in the downtown Windsor Remembrance Day service.

Warrant Officer Skye Hussey ’26 beautifully sang Hard Time Come Again No More and also Highway of Heroes with the School choir. Drum Major Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Christian Goulden ‘26 led the Mil Band in playing “O Canada” and the royal anthem “God Save the King”. Pipe Major MWO Ezra Sasaki ’26 piped the lament. The moment of silence took place at 11:00 am.

The wreath for the 254 KES Highland Cadet Corps was laid by CWO Will Larder and Captain James Skafte. The King’s-Edgehill School wreath was laid by Head Boy Warrant Officer (WO) Ray-Ray Gingras ’26 and Head Girl Warrant Officer Adaure Ojinere ’26.

After the downtown Windsor service we marched back to King’s-Edgehill School for our own service, led by Master of Ceremonies, MWO Mollybeth Dickinson ’26. CSM of A Company, MWO Colton Phillips ’26, read the Act of Remembrance. Grade 6 student Thomas DeCoste '32 skillfully played the Last Post and Reveille, with Pipe Major MWO Ezra Sasaki ’26 piping the lament for both the Windsor and KES Remembrance Day services. Our Drill Sergeant Major, MWO Chris Turgeon ’26, was commander for the sentry vigil at our Cenotaph.

 

Perhaps the most poignant part of the service is when Head of School, Mr. Joe Seagram, reads the Honour Roll. These are the names of 60 Old Boys who answered the call for King and Country from King’s College School and did not return from war. Lest we forget.

Our youngest male and female cadets, Owen Napier-Whale ‘32 and Briar Mosher ‘32, laid a wreath in honour of those who had given their lives in past wars. Then RSM CWO Will Larder ‘26 and Commanding Officer Captain James Skafte laid their poppies, followed by the Companies, parents, and friends placing poppies to conclude the service.

Off to Ottawa was the King’s-Edgehill School choir with 20 cadets, Mr. Kevin Lakes, Mr. Pat LePoidevin, and Ms. Stephanie Fillman representing us at the nation’s capital. The Cadet Flag Party with five cadets and Ms. Angie Folker participated in the service at the Hantsport School.

Operations Officer Ms. Marion Robins 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. Marion ensures that all aspects of ceremonies are efficiently run.

As the Commanding Officer, I would like to thank the cadets and Warrant Officers of the 254 for their reverence on this sombre day, which deserves our reverence. You have impressed the public and myself as CO by being very well turned out in Highland reds. There was not a piece of kit missing, showing each cadet’s 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.

In the scriptures, in Psalm 34:14 according to the Christian faith, we read, “Seek peace and pursue it.” May we remember to seek peace and not war as we pay our respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in war and conflict.