In the Morning, We Remembered Them

By Richard Harvey | Posted: Thursday April 10, 2025

Today the entire school community gathered for the annual ANZAC service, a solemn and significant occasion in the Otago Boys’ High School calendar.

The Rector welcomed students and invited guests, setting the tone for a reflective and respectful ceremony. Head Boy, Charlie Ottrey, read The Spirit of ANZAC, reminding us all of the values of courage, Perseverance, and mateship that continue to resonate today.

Guest speaker, Mr Piripi Matthews, addressed the assembly, sharing insights on service, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who served. Year 9 student An Xin Chang read the poignant Binyon extract, followed by Deputy Head Boy, Jack Ussher, and Head of School House, Eddie Burgess who read the names of the OBHS old boys who died at Gallipoli, as recorded in the Book of Remembrance. Thank you to Oban Voice, who played the Last Post during the service, and to Lee Hart, our past Property Manager, who piped the procession into the Tower.

To conclude the service, students formed a guard of honour along the path to the archway. Wreaths and poppies were laid in tribute, and 36 crosses were placed by Year 9 students to represent the lives of those former students who fell at Gallipoli. The school bell tolled 36 times, echoing through the morning silence, a powerful symbol of remembrance for our fallen old boys.

Lest we forget.

Image Gallery