Remembrance Day marks the armistice that ended the First World War, when the guns fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
It has become a day to remember all who served their country and those who fell on the battlefield, as well as those who returned home, not just in the “Great War,” but in the Second World War, the Korean conflict in addition to peacekeeping and peace-making missions.
This year, Remembrance Day fell on a Sunday, which meant that school assemblies were held before or after Nov. 11.
St. Charles Catholic School in Bradford held a Remembrance Day Liturgy, an assembly of prayer and remembrance, on Monday morning. Members of the neighbouring Danube Seniors Leisure Centre were invited to attend and joined Grade 7 and 8 students at the Seniors’ Tea that followed.
“It’s a lovely thing we do every year,” said resources teacher/librarian Teresa Slade. “Often, we’ll have a guest, speaking about their experiences, sharing.”
This year’s special guest was U.S. Army Sgt. Smith, an engineer, who attended both the assembly and the tea.
“In the U.S. we call it Memorial Day,” Smith said. “It’s very interesting to see what you do for remembrance.”
The students learned about Moina Belle Michael, a volunteer who made the first cloth poppies, after reading Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields. Michael also lobbied to have the poppy recognized as a symbol of remembrance.
Students also learned about the Highway of Heroes, the stretch of Highway 401 between Trenton and the Toronto Coroner’s Office, travelled by each Canadian soldier killed in action. Canadians of all backgrounds have lined the overpasses during these voyages to honour the fallen.
The connection with seniors is something treasured by St. Charles School, said Slade.
“There are a number of things we do during the year to create that connection with the seniors,” she said. She cited, for example, concerts and this annual Remembrance Tea that help "connect with the youth in the community… It’s a vital thing we have, a bridge.”
Attending the tea for the sixth time was former president of the Danube Centre, Elaine Love. “I really enjoy it,” Love said, referencing the opportunity to connect with youth.
At St. Angela Merici Catholic Elementary School, the Remembrance Day Liturgy was held in a gym decorated with poppy crosses and posters created by the students in response to the local Legion’s Remembrance Poster contest.
The Remembrance theme continued in the hallway, where Administrator Mrs. Gillard brought in medals and memorabilia belonging to the Gillard and Chiasson families.
Her own father, Steve Chiasson, attended the assembly, then spoke with Grade 7 and 8 students about his experiences in the Armed Forces and Air Force, and his dad Remi Chiasson’s service in Korea.
The purpose is “just to give the kids an insight,” said Steve, who was a field medic during his 22 years of service. “Then there’s a question and answer (session). They always have lots of questions.”
“It’s a tradition,” said Principal Joe Almeida, noting that sharing that experience is increasingly important. “We have no World War I veterans left, and fewer and fewer World War II veterans.”
St. Angela Merici is such a large school that two assemblies had to be held: one for the primary grades and a second for those in grades 4 through 8. At each, there were prayers both for those who gave their lives and for peace; and a focus on the sacrifices of war, in music, videos and interpretive dance.
Special mention was made of Sapper Brian Collier, a graduate of Holy Trinity Catholic High School and Bradford District High, who served in Afghanistan. He died while serving his country in 2010.
