“Good Morning. I would like to welcome you all to Norquay School's annual Remembrance Day Service. My name is Keely Foster and it is my pleasure to be your emcee this morning.”
That is how the Remembrance Day program began on Friday morning at Norquay School.
Those in attendance were asked to please rise for the entry of members of the RCMP along with members from the Norquay branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Once they entered, people were asked to remain standing for the playing of O' Canada followed by The Last Post, two minutes of silence and Reveille.
“Across Canada and in many other nations around the globe, people gather on November 11 to honour the courage and devotion of brave men and women who have made, and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Foster. “The hostilities of the First World War ceased 100 years ago on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. - 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 returned home from service.
“Since then, Canadians have been involved in other war and peacekeeping missions around the globe. In these efforts, many have given their lives so that we might enjoy freedom today. They too shall be remembered.”
Trevor Olson and Brooke Shelenko will a wreath on behalf of the staff and students of Norquay School.
Ella Foster, Grade 11, read an untitled essay written by classmate Karlee Griffith.
Grade 6 students Summer Johnson and Ashlyn Olson read poems that they had written. Johnson’s was My Silent Frown, followed by Olson with Bad News; Little Blues.
Grade 10 student Micah Johnson read a poem written by his classmate Aidan Dahlin called Remembrance Day.
“On behalf of the staff and students of Norquay School I would like to thank the Legion for being a part of our service this morning,” said Foster. “Please rise for the singing of God Save the Queen.”
