Schools in and around St. Paul took time to gather and remember those who lost their lives in defense of freedom during Remembrance Day ceremonies last week.
Among those reflecting on wars past and present was Racette Junior High School. Teacher Karrie Foisy began their ceremony by telling students, “Today, we gather to remember all our Canadian brothers and sisters; to thank and honour them for their heroic efforts to protect our country. We gather to remember, as Canadians, the importance of continually striving for peace, even if peace is difficult to obtain.”
Following Foisy’s remarks, Racette students lined up one by one to place poppies on a cross as a symbol of gratitude and recollection.
After the bugle calls of Last Post and Reveille, a moment of silence was observed before Cold Lake Air Force Sgt. Marie-France Provost addressed the quiet and somber crowd. While sharing photos of her time spent on duty in Afghanistan, she spoke with emotion and vigor of the importance of Remembrance Day.
“We need to take time to remember the wars of the past so that they don’t become the mistakes of the future. Take time to think about the sacrifices of others so you can appreciate all that you have.”
Joining Sgt. Provost at the ceremony were Jim Blair and Bill Blower from the Royal Canadian Legion, and Emma and Tedi Purvis—Racette students and members of the Mallaig Cadet Corp. Teacher Don Michaud ended the ceremony with a prayer for veterans as well as fallen soldiers and their families.
