Compassion and Remembrance

On November 6, the Crescent community came together to honour Remembrance Day at a full school assembly. Solemn musical performances by our Upper School symphonic and wind ensemble bands, our Lower School choir, and Crescent’s Men and Boys’ Choir captivated the audience and set the tone for the sombre tribute. 

Deputy Headmaster Nick Kovacs and Head Boy Jackson Rosenhek ’25 offered reflective readings as did Commander Fraser McKee ’37, whom we were particularly privileged to welcome at our ceremony. 

Michael Belmonte ’27 performed a trumpet solo of “The Last Post” which led to a minute of silence as the names and images of Crescent alumni who died in service to our country were projected on the screen. A soulful rendition of “The Rouse,” also performed by Michael Belmonte, followed.

Guest speaker, former past parent and Honourary Colonel of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Don Cranston P’11, ’16 inspired us with a heartfelt message about how, in a world filled with compassion, war would not exist. He expressed deep gratitude for soldiers past and present for their part in making the world a better place and called on our Crescent students to carry forward this same spirit.

Following the assembly, Mr. McKee joined our Grade 3 students at the Crescent War Memorial, which pays tribute to fallen alumni memorialized on the granite stone located in the Manor Courtyard.