Pipe Band members Charles and Victor (P7) were invited to participate in the WW1 Last Post of Ploegsteert on 7th July 2023 in the village of Comines Warneton, Belgium. 

Charles played “Amazing Grace” at the beginning of the ceremony and “Highland Cathedral” at the end. Victor read a text he wrote with his brother Charles and then laid a wreath at the memorial.

Sharing the reading in both English and French, Victor said: “We want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to take part in this Last Post ceremony. We are deeply moved to be standing here today, at the Ploegsteert Memorial, to remember the eleven thousand three hundred and forty seven servicemen of the United Kingdom and South African forces who were killed in this sector during the First World War.

“How not to be touched when we think of those men who fell on those cold battlefields a long way from home. Let’s not forget! Because the memory encourages us to be worthy of those who died for us, so that we could live in freedom! We are deeply grateful of their sacrifice. 

“We wish to extend our deep gratitude to the city of Comines Warneton for their monthly homage in honour of our fallen. Thank you for the honour that you do to our country.”

Wearing their school uniforms with pride, Charles and Victor were really touched to participate.

Mr Sumner, Piping Instructor, commented: “I am so proud to see them both represent RGC and the Pipe Band in such a high profile and significant event.”

Visit Last Post Comité du Mémorial de Ploegsteert on Facebook for more photos and videos from the official ceremony.