Mount Carmel school community gathered to commemorate Remembrance Day on Wednesday 11th November with a moving service that honoured those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in times of conflict. The solemn occasion was marked with dignity, respect, and a shared sense of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today.

The service organised by Curriculum Leader for R.E. Mr Davies began with a welcome and reflection led by Ms Farrelly, followed by words of remembrance from pupils and staff. Miss Mortensen, read a heartfelt tribute to the Accrington Pals, a poignant reminder of the brave soldiers from our local community who served in World War One. 

The Last Post was played by Miss Javaid and was followed by a respectful two minutes silence. The Reveille was then played to end the silence. 

A special highlight of the service was the wreath-laying ceremony, where eight of our school’s cadets Rhys J., Rita L., Olivia H., Kylie A., Olivia M., Freya A., Lottie M., Amber P. and Gracie G. marched with precision and laid a wreath in remembrance. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to these cadets for their dedication and service, as they represented our school.

In Accrington we have a special connection to world war one because of the Accrington Pals. 

Come on lads, join up with your friends,
To bring this frightful war to an end.
Make Accrington proud,
Stand out from the crowd,
Stand with your mates,
Stand against hate.
When the guns roar
And the blood pours,
And the losses are hard to bear
In a town where everyone cares,
Where families lose someone
On the Somme to those terrible guns.
But what about the wider story—
Other countries, faiths, their glory?
Fighting side by side,
No place for pride to divide.
All the same, with loved ones near,
Facing sacrifice and fear.
Who gave their lives for liberty,
Whatever their nationality,
So we could live in peace today
And learn a better, kinder way.
Yet still we see across the earth
How little human life seems worth.
Communities are torn apart,
Leaving grief in every heart.
Children caught in conflict's tide,
Dreams and hopes pushed aside.
When will we say, "No more, no more,"
And close the ever-open door
To conflict, greed, and endless fight,
Choosing compassion over spite?
Let remembrance be our guide,
More than honour, truth, and pride.
A promise we will always strive
To keep the hope of peace alive.
To value all and coexist,
So fewer joys are left unmissed,
And fewer communities bear the cost
Of lives and futures sadly lost.
So let us stand by the values we hold dear,
And remember the Accrington Pals and their sacrifice each year.

 

Lest we forget.