GORE BAY—Students and staff of Charles C. McLean public school put on a very moving and poignant Remembrance Day service at the school November 11.
“We would like to welcome everyone to our Remembrance Day student service 2016,” stated C.C. McLean teacher Enid Runnalls. “We thank all the members of the community who have showed up today. And we want to acknowledge and thank all the students for their contributions of the beautiful art work that is displayed on the walls of the gymnasium and school halls.”
After everyone joined in the singing of O’Canada, principal Tracy Chapman addressed the audience. “I would like to welcome staff, students, parents and community members. You could tell by the feel entering the gym that our students recognize that this is a very special day, for remembrance and reflection.”
“Across Canada, and in many other countries, people gather on November 11 to honour the courage and devotion of brave men and women who made the supreme sacrifice of dying for their country,” said Ms. Chapman. “The hostilities of the First World War ceased on November 11, 1918, at 11 am the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The following year marked the first observance of a day to remember and honour those who died, as well as to give thanks for the sacrifices of those who came back from serving their country.”
“Since then, Canadians have fought in other conflicts and many have given their lives so that we might enjoy freedom today. They too should be remembered,” said Ms. Chapman. “If you look around the gymnasium, and halls and classes this week you could read poems, essays and stories the students wrote. A lot of effort has gone in to this work. Even though they are far removed from what happened years ago it makes us feel good as adults that the students have this ability to remember and reflect.”
Ms. Runnalls noted that on Remembrance Day, “we all wear poppies, and Mrs. Best and her Kindergarten class are going to tell us why.”
Grade 6 student Colton Chevrette then read ‘In Flanders Fields.’
Grade 8 student Malia Leighton then provided a Vimy Ridge introduction. “Good morning. Grade 8 students Kyle Greenman and Rory Dearing are holding a flag that flew with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. The flag was given to Mrs. (Heather) Jefkins by Warrant Officer, David Wilkinson, who was stationed at the Forward Operating base in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011.”
“The two figures behind Kyle and Rory are copies of the Vimy Ridge memorial that stands today on Vimy Ridge in France,” continued Ms. Leighton. “The Grade 8s will be presenting a tableau drama representing the Canadian Army’s battle to take Vimy Ridge from the Germans. The French and British had previously tried to take the ridge, but failed. The Canadian forces took the ridge in four days of intense fighting. Our forces suffered greatly for this victory with 7,000 injured and over 3,000 personnel who perished. The 100th anniversary of the battle occurs in the spring of 2017.”
“We present this tableau in honour of all armed forces members, past and present, who sacrifice their lives for our freedom. No applause is necessary. Please, just remember our soldiers,” said Ms. Leighton.
The Grade 2/3 class honoured the Canadian Peacekeepers with their song, ‘Sing for Peace.’
Grade 7 students Trish Patterson, Sophie Hietkamp and Tyannah Witty then presented the Act of Remembrance.
The wreath laying service included cadets LS Lauren MacKay and LS Ayriell Nodecker accompanying a member of the Gore Bay Brownie Pack, Amara Wilson-Zegil.
The Commitment to Remember was then presented by Tyannah Witty. “They were young, as we are young. They served, giving freely of themselves. To them, we pledge, amid the winds of time, To carry their torch and never forget. We will remember them.”
