This morning, our elementary students – wearing either a poppy or a poppy sticker, walked quietly into the gym for our special Remembrance Day Service. Members of our Grade 7 classes opened the event with a welcome and introduction about today’s service, which would not only focus on remembering the individuals who served our country in times of war and in times of peace, the ones who came home, those who were injured, and those who never returned. Instead, there would also be special emphasis on the contributions to Canada’s military history from Black Canadians.
Before the students learned more about the courage, service and sacrifice of Black Canadians, they quietly stood and proudly sang our national anthem.
Our Grade 7 leaders then shared pertinent facts from World War I and II about a variety of major contributions from Black Canadians despite experiencing unfair barriers and discrimination. Groups like the No.2 Construction Battalion were introduced. This group of Black Canadian men served with the Canadian Forestry Corps to prepare wood, move lumber and supplies . This was essential to supporting the army with wood needed to build and repair roads, railways and supports for trenches. The Grade 7 leaders also introduced brave individuals like Private Jeremiah Jones who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917. Although he was nominated for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, there was no record of him receiving one. In 2010, 93 years after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Private Jones was recognized for his bravery and awarded his medal.
Things improved for Black Canadians by World War II and thousands of Black Canadians served in the armed forces. However, discrimination and unfair barriers still existed. Our students were also introduced to Black Canadian civilians like Cecilia Butler who worked at the John Inglis munitions factory in 1943 in Toronto. They learned that ordinary citizens who were not on the battlefields could still make meaningful contributions to support their communities and make a difference. Our student leaders concluded their presentation by explaining that today, people of all races can serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. It has recognized that racism and discrimination have caused harm and are now working to build a fair and respectful workplace for all peoples.
At 11:00 AM, there was a moment of silence to reflect and honour fallen soldiers, veterans and all members of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in times of war, conflict and peace. Students listened to the playing of “The Last Post” as they stood.
To conclude the service, our Grade 7 leaders prayed. They thanked God for giving courage to the men and women who have served, especially those who have faced unfair treatment like Black Canadians. They also asked our Heavenly Father to give us courage to stand up for what is right, compassion to care for others, humility to serve, and desire to treat every person with dignity, kindness and respect. Lastly, they prayed for peace in our world – something that begins with our hope in Jesus.