ST. PAUL – A muted light filtered through the St. Paul Elementary gymnasium, casting subdued glow on the faces of the gathered teachers, parents, and students.
The rows of elementary school students sat in silence; their eyes fixed on pictures flashing behind a soldier clad in uniform. She spoke to them, and told them the history of the World Wars, the Korean War, and the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping.
She also spoke of the peacekeeping work and domestic operations being done today by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), like flood fighting and firefighting.
On Nov. 8, the St. Paul Elementary – along with many other schools across the region – held an assembly in observation of Remembrance Day.
Following the ceremony, Sgt. Amanda Proctor, based at 4 Wing Cold Lake, said it was an honour to be able to come to St. Paul and speak to the students. Proctor said she’s happy to represent as a member of CAF, giving students the opportunity for that face-to-face recognition “of who exactly we’re remembering... and knowing I can inspire them, and talk about our veterans, is really important for me.”
Proctor recalled that as a child she enjoyed hearing from people that were in the military. Children, she said, are so eager to learn.
Adrienne Dallaire, principal at St. Paul Elementary, believes observing Remembrance Day is important for everyone, noting the annual pause honours the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in the past, preventing it from fading into obscurity.
She thanked Proctor for speaking to the students, and thanked local dignitaries from attending the ceremony, such as first responders from the area, representation from the local RCMP detachment, a representative from the St. Paul Royal Canadian Legion, and Indigenous singers who performed music.
“It’s really important to have these special guests to be part of our Remembrance Day assemblies,” bringing students the opportunity to see first-hand those affiliated in the service of the nation, said Dallaire.
She also expressed her pride in the students, “for being attentive and being respectful.”
“I think they’re really understanding of the importance of respect, and how that honours the day we’re recognizing. So, I was very proud of the students today.”
She also thanked the school committee who helped put together the Nov. 8 assembly, and for always coming together to work on events for the benefit of the students.
