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Giant poppy displayed on Elizabeth College’s lawn

A GIANT poppy is being displayed on the grass at the front of Elizabeth College in honour of former students who lost their lives in the service of their country.

A giant poppy has been painted on the grass at Elizabeth College. Pictured are members of the college’s Combined Cadet Force. (Picture By Elliot Cockett, 30184154)
A giant poppy has been painted on the grass at Elizabeth College. Pictured are members of the college’s Combined Cadet Force. (Picture By Elliot Cockett, 30184154) / Guernsey Press

Cadets and staff from the Elizabeth College Combined Cadet Force assembled in front of the poppy to pay their respects before planting wooden crosses in the garden of remembrance at the war memorial at the top of Smith Street.

‘I felt proud to have the symbol of the poppy being displayed on the Elizabeth College field,’ said Corporal Keiran Williamson, 17.

Sergeant Ben Moloney, 17, said he had been teaching younger students in the CCF about former Elizabeth College students, who fought during wars.

‘It’s important to show respect for those who fought and for their families,’ he said.

Remembrance traditions at the school include a service marking Armistice Day, and the laying of wreaths at college memorials by students and the Old Elizabethans Association.

‘We celebrate remembrance every year and the CCF takes part in the remembrance parade each year which is always great to be a part of,’ Ben said.

As well as leading the island’s parade from the Town Arsenal to the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, the CCF Corps of Drums will perform at the annual Combined Services dinner at the Old Government House Hotel on 12 November.

Corporal Henry Whittaker, 16, will lead the parade. He said it was a huge honour.

‘I think it’s really important for us to continue to remember the sacrifices that those who came before us made,’ he said.

‘The parade is always a magnificent tribute to them and it always fills me with pride to be leading at the front of it.’

To remember the 155 Old Elizabethans who lost their lives in the World Wars, a hand-scripted Book of Remembrance listing their names and details will be displayed in the college hall.

At the Junior School pupils will commemorate Armistice Day with a special Remembrance assembly, before gathering at the ECJS Field.

The children will sing the ‘We Will Remember’ song and ECJS music teacher Richard Sutton, will play the Last Post on the bugle.

Pupils have been chosen to read selected verses of John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders field’ poem and a poppy poem.

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