This morning, on the 25th anniversary of the attacks of 11 September 2001, members of the Brighton College community gathered for a memorial service dedicated to the victims of terrorism. Led by the College Chaplain, Rev. Jack Dunn, the Service of Remembrance to Commemorate the Victims and Survivors of Global Terrorism provided an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and gratitude for lives cut tragically short.
Among those remembered were two Old Brightonians, Robert Eaton (Ha. 1977-80) and Daniel Braden (Ry. 1987-92).
Robert Eaton (Ha. 1977-80)
Robert Eaton joined Brighton College in 1977 having previously served as a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral. A gifted musician and singer, he quickly established himself as one of the College's most accomplished performers.
An exceptional cellist, Robert achieved his Grade 7 Cello examination with Merit in the Michaelmas Term of 1979 and earned several music prizes during his time at the College. His playing was praised in one review as being "beautifully soulful", a description that reflected both his technical ability and deep musicality.
Alongside his musical talents, Robert was a keen sportsman. He enjoyed cricket, particularly bowling, but football was his greatest passion. A lifelong supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, he remained closely connected to the club and its community, regularly contributing to the online supporters' forum North Stand Chat under the memorable username Ricky Marlowe's Hairpiece.
In 2001, Robert was working for the global financial institution Cantor Fitzgerald in New York. On 11 September 2001, he was on the 105th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center when terrorists carried out the attacks that would claim thousands of lives. Robert died that day at the age of 37.
He is remembered for his warmth, talent, humour and enthusiasm, and as a much-loved member of both the Brighton College and Brighton & Hove Albion communities.
Daniel Braden (Ry. 1987-92)
During his years at Brighton College, Daniel Braden immersed himself in every aspect of school life. He was a member of the public speaking team, a keen rugby and basketball player, and contributed to the College's Young Enterprise group.
Daniel also enjoyed the creative life of the school, working behind the scenes on the College's 1990-91 production of The Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov and taking an active role in his memorable Lower Sixth Entertainment Evening. In his final year, his leadership qualities were recognised through his appointment as both Head of Ryle and Deputy Head Boy.
After leaving Brighton College, Daniel went on to study Mandarin at the University of Edinburgh before building a successful career in Taiwan, where he worked as a marketing manager. His adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for life continued well beyond his school years, and he remained devoted to rugby.
In October 2002, Daniel travelled to Bali with his rugby club, the Taipei Baboons, for an end-of-season tour and participation in the Bali 10s tournament. On 12 October 2002, terrorists detonated bombs in the popular tourist district of Kuta, killing more than 200 people, including 28 Britons. Daniel, aged just 28, was among those killed, alongside four of his teammates.
Daniel is remembered as an energetic, engaging and talented young man whose leadership, friendship and zest for life left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
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Today we honour the memory of all those whose lives have been lost or forever changed by acts of terrorism, while remembering Robert and Daniel as members of our own community whose lives continue to be fondly remembered.