STUDENTS from the Island’s five secondary schools will march alongside serving members of the armed forces and veterans of past conflicts on Sunday (June 27th).

One hundred students will take part in the parade along Douglas’s promenades to the Villa Marina and attend the church service that follows it, which will have the theme ‘Under Authority’, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of National Service.

It is the third time secondary schools have played an active role in Armed Forces Day and Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare MHK said: ‘I am delighted that many of our schools have decided to remember the sacrifice of those who served in World War Two and other conflicts since that time and the role that serving armed forces personnel continue to play the world over.

‘World War Two seems a long time ago but to our children it is quite literally another century. We should not forget the hardship that our armed forces have suffered and the sacrifices that they have made. Without them we would not be able to enjoy the freedom that we do today. 

‘It is also important to learn lessons from history as, if we fail to do so, we will run the risk of repeating previous mistakes.’

Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant Head of History at St Ninian’s High School, explained why 20 of his Year 9 pupils will be among the 700 taking part in the parade and enjoying a chat with veterans at the tea that follows the formal part of Armed Forces Day. 

He said: ‘Our Year 9 curriculum covers the two World Wars and part of this involves interviewing relatives as part of the Tell Me Project and speaking to Hector Duff and Albert Phair, of the Normandy Veterans’ Association. 

‘Armed Forces Day is a useful add-on to pupils’ studies and we see it as an excellent opportunity for pupils to associate with not only veterans from World War Two but also people who have served in the armed forces since 1945.’

Queen Elizabeth II High School Year 9 student Clara Nathan will sing during the service and she will be accompanied by fellow students Joe Crookall, of Year 11, and Bill Hesketh, of Year 9.

Amanda Walker, Head of Key Stage 3 at the school, said: ‘Our students study World War Two in Year 9 and again at GCSE. As more of the generation involved pass into history, it is increasingly important that we honour and respect those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. 

‘The west of the Island is still well represented in the forces today and many of our students are attending the parade and service with the uniformed cadets, to which they belong.’

Armed Forces Day is organised annually by a committee of veterans chaired by Brigadier Norman Butler, of Ramsey. It forms part of national celebrations the same weekend.

The parade will feature a fly-past by a Dakota from the Battle of Britain memorial flight. Among the many distinguished serving personnel expected to take part is Captain James Adamson, a former pupil of Ramsey Grammar School, who was awarded the Military Cross for bravery under enemy fire in Afghanistan in 2009.

Brigadier Butler said: ‘I would like to place on record the appreciation of the committee and, indeed, all of the Island's veterans and serving forces for the enthusiastic and wholehearted support provided by our schools. 

‘It means a great deal that the younger generation should be so closely involved in our celebrations and that they should try to understand the nature of our experiences. We are very proud to have 100 of them marching with us on Armed Forces Day. As our World War Two and National Service veterans gently fade from the scene, it is critically important that the memory of what they did to ensure our freedom and future is preserved by those who have followed.’

The parade sets off from Regent Street at 3.15pm.