Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow’s West End recently paid tribute to the veterans of the First and Second World Wars by illuminating the school in red. The gesture was in support of Poppyscotland on Remembrance Sunday, joining several locations across the country in honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
As a War Memorial Trust school with one of the largest Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) in the country, Kelvinside Academy has a deep connection to the military history of the nation. The school lost 177 pupils in the wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, highlighting the significant impact of the conflicts on the school community.
In a touching display of remembrance, the school showcased silhouettes of soldiers and poppies created by the students themselves. These handmade ornamental poppies, representing each former pupil who lost their life, were also planted in the school grounds as a symbol of respect and gratitude.
Daniel Wyatt, the rector of Kelvinside Academy, expressed the school community’s unwavering commitment to honoring the memory of their fallen pupils. He emphasized the importance of keeping their sacrifice alive in the collective memory and paying tribute to all those who fought in the wars.
The school’s formal Remembrance Service is scheduled to take place at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church on Monday, November 11, providing an opportunity for the students and staff to come together in reflection and commemoration.
This act of remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of war on communities and the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by those who served. By illuminating the school in red and creating a heartfelt tribute, Kelvinside Academy has demonstrated its commitment to preserving the memory of the veterans and ensuring that their legacy lives on for future generations to remember and respect.