Honouring Our Veterans: MCES Remembrance Day Ceremony

On November 10, our school community came together to honour and remember the veterans who made incredible sacrifices to protect our safety, rights, and freedoms. We are truly grateful to live in a country where we enjoy the gift of freedom.

Our ceremony was deeply child-centered, with students leading many parts of the program and sharing their voices in meaningful ways. It began with a powerful entrance: Indigenous student dancers and our colour guard marched into the gymnasium to the steady beat of our school drum group. This set a tone of respect and unity for the day.

Students proudly shared greetings and land acknowledgments in nłeʔkepmxcín and nsyilxcən, with Ms. Martha offering a blessing in nsyilxcən and Cash sharing the nłeʔkepmxcín blessing in English. Leading up to the event, teachers guided students in learning the meaning of Remembrance Day, and every class created beautiful wreaths to honour veterans and fallen soldiers.

Ms. Omori read Why We Remember, a heartfelt book written and illustrated by students from Graysville School in Manitoba, which explains why November 11 is so significant. Brave students recited the Act of Remembrance and the Commitment to Remember, followed by the solemn proclamation: “We will remember them.” Another group recited In Flanders Fields, reminding us of the enduring legacy of those who served.

We also took time to recognize Indigenous Veterans Day (November 8) through a video highlighting the vital roles Indigenous soldiers played in defending our freedoms. The ceremony concluded with a deeply moving performance of Soldier Boy by our drum group, led by Derrick Sheena, a moment of reflection that resonated with everyone present.

This ceremony was a beautiful example of how student voice can lead the way in creating meaningful traditions. As a school, we are proud to honour the past, teach the present, and inspire the future. Lest we forget.