Students from Wiltshire College & University Centre in Trowbridge took an unexpected starring role at the town’s Remembrance Day ceremony this week, joining veterans and dignitaries in paying tribute to those who served.
The 14 Uniformed Public Service students had gathered at the Trowbridge War Memorial to observe the ceremony and read a poem afterwards. But when veterans invited them to read Rupert Brooke’s The Soldier during the event itself, the students rose to the occasion – delivering a moving reading to an audience of around 100 people, including Trowbridge Mayor, Cllr Stephen Cooper.
“The poem was intended for us, as the students’ mark of respect,” said lecturer Georgina Hewson, “but the veterans asked them to read it to everyone during the ceremony. Although we’d read it once before arriving, it was still a surprise to them – but they took it in their stride, read it beautifully, and with great respect.”
The crowd responded with warm applause. “Everyone was very impressed and although there were one or two embarrassed faces among the students, I think they enjoyed it,” added Georgina.
The two-minute silence was observed across all four Wiltshire College campuses, but Georgina said it was especially meaningful for her group to take part in the live ceremony. “It’s a wonderful experience for them to see just how emotive it is,” she said. “We talk about remembrance and the poppies, but to actually see veterans paying their respects brings it home to them. They were the only young people there, and the veterans said how nice it was to see them.”
Many of the students are preparing for careers in the armed forces or public services. “We’ve got some going into the Army and RAF, others heading for university, fire or commando training,” said Georgina. “I wanted them to have this first-hand experience to see the impact that remembrance has, and why it’s so important.”
She hopes to return next year, adding: “It was lovely to have both ends of the age range represented – the veterans and our young people together. It would be nice to carry on the tradition.”
For more information about Uniformed Public Services courses at Wiltshire College & University Centre, visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk.
