A military veteran joined his deaf daughter to lay a wreath at her school in a moving tribute to the fallen, as children, pensioners, serving military personnel and dignitaries from across Derbyshire gathered for a poignant Remembrance Day service.
The ceremony at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby was led by headteacher Paul Burrows and featured prayers from the Reverend Canon Romita Shrisunder and an exhortation delivered by Ian Allen of the Royal British Legion.
The entire service was interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL), allowing deaf and hearing attendees to take part in the commemorations together.
Before the ceremony, guests were taught how to sign “We remember them” in British Sign Language, allowing them to join in with the repeated phrase during a reading of the poem We Remember Them.
The tribute will extend beyond the school gates on Sunday, when Mr Burrows will be joined by several pupils at Derby’s civic Remembrance Day ceremony to teach those gathered the same BSL phrase – bringing the deaf community’s voice to one of the city’s most important commemorations.
Among those attending was the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Jonathan Smale, he said: “This was my first time attending the ceremony and it was truly special and heartwarming. It was wonderful to see the pupils so engaged and helping to ensure the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.”
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming Paul and some of the pupils to the civic ceremony on Sunday, where they will teach attendees some BSL to honour the fallen and celebrate Derby’s deaf community.
“Derby has one of the largest deaf communities in the country and as a diverse city, it is important that we recognise and embrace BSL as a language.”
During the event, a two-minute silence was observed before pupils Feyisara, Rutendo and Veronika signed the poem “Lest We Forget”, interpreted for guests in attendance.
Pupils also laid handmade wreaths and placed crosses and faith symbols at the foot of the school’s flagpole, while a Scottish piper provided a musical tribute.
For Mark Rimmington, a retired Regimental Administration Officer who served 38 years in the Army, laying a wreath alongside his daughter Sophia, a pupil at the school for ten years, was particularly special.
He said: “It was a real honour to lay a wreath alongside my daughter at such a moving ceremony.
“To share that moment with Sophia, surrounded by her friends and her deaf family – because that is exactly what this school has become to her – made it all the more special.
“The school has been incredible for Sophia, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young woman she has become.
“After serving 38 years in the Army, Remembrance weekend and paying tribute to the fallen is always very special to me, but being able to come into the school and give something back to the deaf community made it even more meaningful.
“Seeing everyone come together to sign ‘We remember them’ was truly special and moving.”
The ceremony was also attended by Derbyshire’s Lord-Lieutenant, Liz Fothergill, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson, Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield, The High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Syed Iftikhar and representatives from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Derbyshire Police, the Royal British Legion and Derby City Council.
Catherine Atkinson said: “Remembrance at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby is a tradition I’m grateful to be part of every year. The pupils and staff put such care into their tributes.
“Behind every name on our war memorials is the story of a person with a family and a community. It’s always moving to see a new generation reflect on those stories as they honour those who served our country and remember those who never came home.”
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “This service has become an important part of my Remembrance weekend, and it is always a privilege to be here.
“It is particularly moving to see the pupils taking such an active role, understanding the sacrifices made by previous generations and ensuring those who gave their lives are never forgotten.”
Now in its fifth year, the service has become an established school tradition, bringing together generations to honour those who served and sacrificed their lives.
Headteacher Paul Burrows said: “It was wonderful to see our pupils and the wider community come together for such a meaningful occasion. Remembrance is for everyone and it is importance that we educate a new generation with these values.
“We are especially proud to be part of Sunday’s civic ceremony, where our pupils will help teach the city how to sign ‘We remember them’ in BSL, bringing deaf and hearing communities together in a shared tribute to the fallen.”
“After the service today I spoke to one of the veterans who attended, he thought the school was a very special place and that the children were so respectful. Seeing our wonderful children happy and safe and having the childhood they deserve has helped him to remember that all the sacrifices have been worth it.
