Students at Heritage Elementary school gathered in the school gymnasium on November 11 for their annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
The master of ceremonies for this assembly was Wesley Quinnell. To start the ceremony, the school’s principal,, James Furey delivered a land acknowledgement before the entire student body sang O Canada.
The school’s music and Culture et Citoyenneté Québécoise (CCQ) teacher, Mr. David Rosenbaum, spoke about the significance of Remembrance Day and the importance of the poppy. A moment of silence ensued and the whole gymnasium fell silent. This was broken by Huntingdon Legion president Mr. Ronald Critchley, who recited the Act of Remembrance before talking a bit about his experiences.
Two Grade 6 students then read the iconic poem In Flanders Fields. This was followed by Cycle 2 and learning centre students singing a heartwarming rendition of Over the Rainbow. Cycle 3 students then sang a touching version of Bob Dylan’s Blowing in the Wind accompanied by student musicians. The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath by Wesley Quinnell and Mr. Critchley.
Mr. Rosenbaum explained that it was important to make a very personal effort to recognize the strong legacy of area families who were involved in the first and second World Wars. “We picked songs that represent the two sides of war: the part that inspires feelings of grief and loss, but also the part that reflects that there is so much that we are here in unity to celebrate,” he said.
Principal Furey noted that there is a plaque on the gymnasium wall that lists the names of several hundred students that attended the former Huntington High School who left to go to war. The plaque is a nationally recognized war monument commemorating those that went and served for a purpose that was greater than themselves.
Principal Furey said that it is important to have Remembrance Day ceremonies in schools. “It’s a good teaching opportunity for students to be in school during that time. And if we don’t have the act of Remembrance and activities and lessons in schools, then they will be forgotten,” he explained.
“I enjoyed the ceremony very much. I got to honour the people who died in the wars in front of the president of our Legion,” said one Grade 6 student.
“It gave us a chance to remember all of the people who have risked their lives, and we got to learn more about wars so that we can prevent them from happening in the future,” added another Grade 6 student.
Poignant Remembrance Day ceremonies also took place at all other schools in the New Frontiers School Board including Gault Institute in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Hemmingford Elementary, Howick Elementary, Ormstown Elementary, Franklin Elementary, and Chateauguay Valley Regional High School in Ormstown.
*This article was written by Grade 6 students at Heritage Elementary School as part of a partnership between The Gleaner and the New Frontiers School Board, with support from the Government of Canada.