Emailed to parents and carers on 13/11/23
Memorial Wall for Aaron ‘Troy’ McClure
Friday 10 November saw the official unveiling ceremony of a memorial wall outside of the academy for former student, Aaron McClure.
Aaron sadly died in August 2007, aged 19, whilst serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment in Afghanistan, having joined the army in March 2006. Private Aaron “Troy” McClure served as a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company and his posting to Helmand province was his first operational tour.
The academy has been working closely with Lorraine McClure, Aaron’s mum, to discuss the design for the mural. Over the space of four days in October half term, it was completed by husband and wife team, The Urban Gypset, Sketch and Amanda Wass. The creation and completion of the mural was particularly poignant for them, having lost their own son, Sabian, tragically last year, aged just 22 in a hit and run accident.
It was particularly fitting that we could officially unveil the wall just before Armistice Day and a two-minute silence took place as part of the ceremony, however, this was also impeccably observed within the academy. It is vitally important that we teach our students about the importance of British Values and showing respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service for their country.
You can read the article which appeared in the Ipswich Star here:
https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/23915498.teenaged-soldier-ipswich-honoured-technicolour-mural/
The wall will now serve not only as a permanent tribute to Aaron’s memory, but also as a way for the community to remember anyone else who has passed, with each individual poppy in the field representative of them.
Our thanks must go to all of those involved in making the concept of the remembrance wall a reality, but in particular to Lorraine for her agreement and also Sketch and Amanda for the creation of a beautiful work of art that will mean so much to so many, and will ensure that those who are sadly no longer with us are never forgotten.
“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them”.
Regards
Mr M Bouckley
Principal
Academy vision: Westbourne is an inclusive academy. We support all students, regardless of starting point, to achieve their potential and develop the skills necessary for employment and life.
Academy values: Be Safe, Be Thoughtful, Be Accountable and Be Respectful.
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