Today, we pause to mark the moment the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War in 1918. But our act of remembrance extends far beyond that single, pivotal moment. We remember the sacrifice of all those who have served and fallen in conflicts around the world, from the First and Second World Wars to the many operations and deployments since.

For our school community, this is a particularly poignant day. Our town of Garstang knows the cost of conflict.

If you visit the War Memorial, you will see the names of young men from our local community whose lives were tragically cut short. In the First World War alone, Garstang and Bonds lost nineteen men, and another fifteen in the Second World War. They were sons, brothers, fathers, and neighbours, and their loss affected this very community, this very place we call home.

Within our school, we have students, staff, and families who carry the proud legacy of military service. Many of us have direct family ties to the armed forces. Parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who have served in conflicts, including the World Wars, and in peacekeeping operations across the globe.

To those members of our community, we offer our deepest respect and gratitude. Our family stories are a living part of our shared history, and they underscore the relevance of this day in our lives today. We understand that remembrance is deeply personal, and we stand in solidarity together.