The memories of those who served, taught and contributed to Springs Boys High School continue to live on through a tradition that reminds the school community of the importance of remembering the past and honouring the lives of those who helped shape the institution.

The school held its annual Remembrance Day on November 11, paying tribute to former learners who served in the wars, as well as learners, teachers and staff members who passed away over the years.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, principal Diane Freeman said the occasion was about more than looking back. It was about recognising the sacrifices made by previous generations and ensuring their contributions were never forgotten.

“It is very important for the community to carry the tradition on because we don’t ever want to go to another World War. We need to remember the past so it doesn’t happen again in the future,” she said.

She added that the school also had a responsibility to remain grateful to those who lost their lives, as their sacrifices helped secure the freedom enjoyed today.

At the heart of the commemoration is the school’s Wall of Remembrance, a lasting tribute to people who worked for or contributed to the school and have since passed away.

She explained that the wall serves as a permanent reminder of the people whose efforts helped build the institution into what it is today.

Freeman said the school also believes that the footsteps of those being remembered continue to echo through its corridors, keeping their presence alive within the institution.

She believes current learners should understand that they also have a role to play in shaping the future and that their contributions will matter long after they leave the school.

“They also are going to make sacrifices and they too need to know that they are worthy and they too need to know that they will not be forgotten,” she said.

The school’s remembrance garden also provides families with a peaceful space to reconnect with the memories of their loved ones.

Families of those being honoured can visit the garden, where they are welcome to donate a tree or flowers in their memory. Freeman said the intention was to give families a place where they could sit peacefully and feel connected to those they had lost.

As the school continues to honour its past, Freeman hopes the ceremony leaves learners with a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions, even when nobody is watching.

“Everything you do counts. Everything should be done with respect and understanding and do things when people aren’t watching,” she said.

She added that every individual has a purpose and that life should be lived in a way that makes a difference.

This year’s ceremony was particularly emotional for the Browning family, whose family members have been remembered on the school’s wall over the years.

The Brownings have the names of three family members on the wall: former learners Sean Browning, Terrance Bate and Colin, whose name was added this year.

Barbara Browning told the publication that the family was deeply moved by the recognition of 81-year-old Colin, who passed away this year. She remembered the family members as wonderful people whose memories the family would always cherish.

“It is very touching. We lived in KZN for many years and came back when Colin was ill. So it’s very emotional for us to be part of the ceremony,” she said.

Barbara said the family had never attended one of these services before, but described it as an honourable gesture by the school to remember those who formed part of its legacy.