Feature Article November 12, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeStudents remember
Students, veterans and community members gathered at Prince Charles PS for a student-led Remembrance Day ceremony, which movingly carried on the ritual of honouring those who sacrificed for our peace and safety. Mrs. LeDucs 5/6 French class sang Oh Canada, followed by Grade 8 emcees Ryan Dean and Colleen Kendalls welcome. WW II veteran Ted Lansdell spoke to the assembly about the many casualties in the many wars since WW I, including the peacekeeping missions of today a poignant moment for audience member Cathy Newhook, whose son Sam is serving in Bosnia. Remember those who did not make it, Ted asked, those who are buried in foreign countries as well as here at home including the over 600 who are in the Cataraqui Cemetery. Other Veterans in attendance were Don Brown, Gerald Kerr, Deborah Lovegrove and Master Corporal (Rtd) Page.After an introduction by Grade 4/5 teacher Mrs. Aarsen-Bryuns the assembly observed a minute of silence and representatives of the grades laid wreaths. Mrs. Aarsen-Bryuns class recited In Flanders Fields; Colleen Kendall sang a moving a capella hymn and Mandy Morey and Ellie York recited the Prayer of St. Francis. Thank you, veterans, for our gift of peace, was a students closing remark.
Each year I am moved as I watch the progress that students make on their journey toward understanding what it is that we are trying to commemorate on Remembrance Day. The youngest know that something sombre is happening and they struggle to figure out what it is. The slightly older know that the ceremony involves war, peace, death and respect. The oldest students are beginning to really feel the enormity of the sacrifices that are being honoured. This is why we have rituals, and Prince Charles ceremony was a fine example of how to carry them out.
