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Vera M. Welsh school observes Remembrance Day

Students and staff at Vera M. Welsh Elementary School hosted a special Remembrance Day ceremony honouring service members last Thursday in the school’s gymnasium.

Students and staff at Vera M. Welsh Elementary School hosted a special Remembrance Day ceremony honouring service members last Thursday in the school’s gymnasium. Students sang and recited poems such as In Flanders Fields during the morning event for dozens of parents, local law enforcement and peers prior to the 11 a.m. moment of silence. 

“I think it's important to teach them about the different events that happened in the past and in our community and how even though they are kids that they can still participate,” said Nicole Biollo, Vera M. Welsh music teacher who helped coordinate the series of performances. 

“When we select songs, we try to do songs that they can relate to. And we really talk about the meanings of the song and the meaning of the lyrics,” she said. 

Additionally, esteemed locals read stories to the students to highlight how service members and personnel who fought in past wars gave their lives. Lac La Biche Royal Canadian Legion McGrane Branch 28 member Margo Caron shared with the packed gymnasium of attendees and students how animals made a large impact during World War I and II. 

"[Animals] provided comfort to veterans but they also served as watchdogs, search and rescue dogs… they also were able to carry secret notes and quota documents in their collars. So, they were able to get by the enemy lines without being detected,” she said of the dogs who played a big role in the two wars. 

For Caron, the annual day recognizing service members and veterans is an important piece of Canada’s identity. 

“I wasn’t in the military, my father was… I believe that we need to remember the service members that continue to keep us free, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.” 

 

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