The Mackay School Speech from the Chairman of the Board of Governors “Remembrance Day 2024”

Juan Carlos Galdámez Naranjo LLM (Wales, UK), Chairman of the Board of Governors The Mackay School 

Remembrance Day 2024 

Nov 11TH, 2024 

Distinguished British Honorary Consul Mr Iain Hardy; director, Mr.  Matthew Taylor; Members of our Board of Governors, Dear guests, faculty,  and students of The Mackay School:  

Today,  we come together to reflect, to honor, and to be inspired.  

Remembrance Day is not just a moment for looking back;  it is a call to look within and ahead. 

The sacrifices we remember today ask something of us  —they ask us to live lives of purpose, resilience, and action. 

From Remembrance to Action 

Remembrance is not static.  

It’s not confined to ceremonies or monuments.  

It is a living force that calls us to connect the bravery of those who came before  us with our responsibilities today.  

The young men of Mackay who stood firm in times of crisis remind us that  greatness is possible.  

But what is greatness, truly? 

Greatness: A Concept Rooted in Purpose and Service 

Greatness is often misunderstood as fame, power, or accolades.  But true greatness is more profound.  

It is the ability to rise above our circumstances, to master our fears, and to direct  our strengths toward a higher purpose.  

Greatness begins within —it is born of self-mastery, when we conquer our doubts and temptations to stand  firm in our values.  

Yet, greatness does not stop there.  

It is fully realized only when it serves others, when it contributes to the COMMON  good. 

Let me share a vision: 

Greatness is like a lighthouse. 

It stands tall and unwavering, guiding others through storms, not for its glory but for their safety.  Greatness is rooted in resilience, purpose, and selflessness.  

Each of you has the potential to be that lighthouse —to offer light and direction in a  world that often feels dark and uncertain.

True Greatness through Self-Mastery 

At Mackay, we hold tightly to our motto, Vincit qui se vincit—“He conquers who  conquers himself.”  

This motto reminds us that the path to greatness starts within BY  CONQUERING ONESELF.  

True greatness is not about living without fear; it’s about confronting and  overcoming it. 

Think of those who inspire us most —leaders, innovators, even your peers.  

What sets them apart is not the absence of struggle but their ability to face it head on, to learn, and to grow.  

Greatness is the student who rises after failure, the friend who supports others  even when they themselves are struggling, the individual who dares to stand up for  what is right despite the risks. 

Resilience in Daily Life 

Remember,  

greatness isn’t reserved for grand gestures or historical moments.  It’s cultivated in the small, consistent choices we make every day.  It’s in how you respond to challenges, how you treat those around you, and how you hold yourself accountable.  

Every time you choose discipline over comfort, kindness over indifference, or  perseverance over giving up you take a step toward greatness. 

Legacy and Duty 

You are the stewards of a legacy that spans generations.  

167 years of Mackay. 

A legacy in your hands 

The courage and sacrifice of those before you set the standard, but now it is your  turn to carry the torch.  

What will you do with it?  

How will you contribute to the community, the school, and the world beyond? 

Greatness is not a destination but a journey.  

It’s a series of choices that align your talents and passions with a purpose larger  than yourself. 

Empowerment through Reflection 

Today, We challenge you to reflect deeply.  

What does greatness mean for you?  

What obstacles stand in your way?  

More importantly, what action will you take to overcome them?  

Let the sacrifices we honor today remind you that true strength lies within you,  waiting to be harnessed.

A Call to Action 

As you leave this assembly TODAY think about the lighthouse you could become.  

How will you stand firm in your values?  

How will you guide and inspire others?  

Remember, the greatness we celebrate today lives on through you  

—through your resilience, your courage, and your commitment to making a  difference. 

Together, let us honor the past not just in words but in deeds.  

Let us embrace the challenges of the present and strive to build a future, a future where the values of Mackay shine brightly in each of us. 

May God bless you all, and may *The Spirit of Mackay* live forever.

TMS RD 2024 CHAIRMAN SPEECH; 7 key Points  

Purpose of Remembrance Day: 

∙ It’s a time for reflection, honor, and inspiration. 

∙ Emphasizes action and responsibility inspired by past sacrifices. 

Concept of Greatness: 

∙ Greatness is rooted in purpose and service, not fame or power. ∙ It’s characterized by self-mastery, resilience, and contributing to the  collective good. 

Self-Mastery: 

∙ Mackay’s motto, “Vincit qui se vincit,” highlights the importance of  conquering oneself. 

∙ True greatness involves overcoming fears and doubts and standing firm in  values. 

Resilience: 

∙ Greatness is demonstrated in everyday actions, through discipline, kindness,  and perseverance. 

∙ It’s not just about significant historical acts but about consistent daily  choices. 

Legacy and Responsibility: 

∙ A 167-year legacy calls for current students to uphold and advance it. ∙ Encourages reflecting on how individuals can contribute to their community  and beyond. 

Call to Action: 

∙ Urges individuals to become lighthouses, standing firm in their values and  guiding others. 

∙ Challenges the audience to reflect on their definition of greatness and take  steps toward embodying it. 

Final Message: 

∙ Honor past sacrifices through deeds, embrace present challenges,  and ensure Mackay’s values endure.

Puntos clave del discurso: SPANISH 

1. Propósito del Día del Recuerdo: 

∙ Es un momento para la reflexión, el honor y la inspiración. 

∙ Se enfatiza la acción y la responsabilidad inspiradas en los sacrificios del  pasado. 

2. Concepto de Grandeza: 

∙ La grandeza se fundamenta en el propósito y el servicio, no en la  fama o el poder. 

∙ Se caracteriza por el dominio propio, la resiliencia y la contribución  al bien común. 

3. Autodominio: 

∙ El lema de Mackay, “Vincit qui se vincit”, destaca la importancia de  conquistarse a uno mismo. 

∙ La verdadera grandeza implica superar miedos y dudas, y mantenerse firme  en los valores. 

4. Resiliencia: 

∙ La grandeza se demuestra en acciones cotidianas, a través de la disciplina,  la bondad y la perseverancia. 

∙ No se trata solo de actos históricos significativos, sino de elecciones diarias  consistentes. 

5. Legado y Responsabilidad: 

∙ Un legado de 167 años exige que los estudiantes actuales lo mantengan y  lo hagan avanzar. 

∙ Se alienta a reflexionar sobre cómo los individuos pueden contribuir a su  comunidad y más allá. 

6. Llamado a la Acción: 

∙ Se insta a las personas a convertirse en faros, manteniéndose firmes en sus  valores y guiando a otros. 

∙ Se desafía a la audiencia a reflexionar sobre su definición de grandeza y a  dar pasos hacia su encarnación. 

7. Mensaje Final: 

Honrar los sacrificios pasados a través de hechos, enfrentar los  desafíos presentes y asegurar que los valores de Mackay perduren.