HT Salutes Our Heroes - Remembrance Day 2017
- Angel Hsieh
- Nov 28, 2017
- 3 min read
All staff and students gathered together in the gymnasium for a moment of silence at the annual Remembrance Day Assembly. Many people in attendance wore a poppy over their heart to honour the sacrifices of men and women who dedicated themselves to the fight for our freedom today.
The opening remark from Mrs. McInnes-McNab introduced the origin of the dignified tradition of Remembrance Day: the signing of Armistice in 1918 at Compiegne, France, that effectively ended World War I.
The following year, 1919, a ceremony was conducted in Buckingham Palace to celebrate the anniversary of Armistice. Since then, people gather on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of each year to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.
Our school chaplain, Ms. O’Connell led us in a prayer of gratitude for peace, dedicated not only to deceased military members, but also those who are currently serving. HT proudly sang O Canada alongside with the performance by Senior Band (the band also performed Amazing Grace, Appalachian Mountains, and O Mio Babbino interspersed between various presentations).
Two student leaders, Leah and Erin, asked the HT family to join in a series of petitions. By responding to the petition with the phrase “We Will Remember”, we promised to never forget the bravery of men and women served and are serving in the armed forces.
A student representative from each class brought up poppies and placed them onto the wreath. Use of poppy as a symbol of peace was taken from John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Field. The poem was written with poppies in sight, thus the quote: “Vivid red poppies that were springing up amongst the grave in burial ground”. From the scenery and friendship that inspired this timeless poem, the poppy became the most renowned icon of Remembrance Day celebrations.
The students from drama classes led by Mrs. Borsellino did a powerful presentation titled Missing Man. One by one, each student brings forth objects usually seen on a dining table as symbols of the responsibilities held by deceased or missing soldiers. Explanations from the presenter about the meaning of each object resonated deeply in the hearts of all attendees. Though this effort is simple, it conveys the feelings of losing loved ones and the endless emptiness that follows.
Towards the end of the assembly, the music video of Highway of Heroes was played. There is a quote from the lyrics that emphasizes the magnitude of sacrifices from these soldiers: “I served without questions or personal gain”.
It encourages rememberance and honouring the cost these soldiers paid to protect Canada.
Music is a great method to help healing the physical and psychological wound caused by battles arise from conflicts. Holy Trinity’s choir performed a reading of In Flander’s Fields alongside with touching melodies that reminds us to contemplate the harms inflicted to those innocent soldiers who fought for us all. Peacekeeping becomes a very important factor of steps towards achieving world peace.
As aforementioned, HT observed a moment of silence after the Last Post performed by Mr. Harkin. We came to be silent not only to mourn for the loss of our soldiers who have sacrificed their lives, but also for veterans who are unable to advocate for their welfare. By being silent, we understand the urge of veterans wanting to speak up.
Prior to this assembly, HT hosted an acoustic café to raise funds for SOLDIER ON that heals trauma or injuries of veterans via being involved in sport. We had the privilege of hearing few words of gratitude from veteran Chris Klodt for all the supports SOLDIER ON provides for veterans. Seeing the positive example of Chris proves that recovery from traumatic experiences is possible. Chris is also participated on Canada's wheelchair rugby team at the Invitus Games in Toronto earlier this year.
As Mrs. McInnes-McNab highlighted in her closing remarks, we as youth shall join our hands in efforts to advocate for the rights that Canadian veterans should be entitled to.
They are veterans, our protectors, and our heroes.
Lest we forget.
Photo Credits: Catriona Nguyen & Mackenzie Couillard
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