Students at high schools across Ottawa are finding different ways to mark Remembrance Day. From historical displays to community ceremonies, they’re making sure to remember those we’ve lost. For Grade 10 students Eilah Handley and Olivia Cooke, the importance of Remembrance Day is something they say students should never take for granted. “A lot of us wouldn’t be here today if they didn’t fight for us,” Handley said. At St. Francis Xavier High School, students are turning that appreciation into projects. “It’s a museum of historical figures and important memorials for everything. Stuff that was very influential during the war and that we learned about in our classes,” Handley said. “Stuff we thought that was very important to us,” Cooke added. Throughout the day, groups of students had a chance to explore the displays. “For Remembrance Day, we invite students to create projects, and they bring them to our multi-purpose room, and they do a gallery walk,” said Shawn Ruest, head of the school’s social studies department. Some students are also highlighting important contributions to Canada’s military history. “This year, we created a poster about the number two construction Battalion, which was the first all Black battalion that aided in World War One in the Canadian Army,” said Grade 12 student Albert Eke. “We just wanted to really show and showcase how Black people have impacted the Canadian Army,” Eke said. At John McCrae Secondary School, students took part in an outdoor Remembrance Day ceremony with the Legion, connecting with veterans and the community. “To be able to connect with the community and veterans and remember all the sacrifices that were made. I was really grateful to be a part of it,” said Grade 12 student Sebastian Hachey. Hundreds showed up at John McCrae to honour those who served. “I was really just grateful for the opportunity that they asked me. I think it was a good leadership position to be there, and I’m just really grateful to be able to have spoken,” said Grade 12 student Mariam Selim. “Being a part of cadets, it’s a huge thing. It’s also a huge part of my mother’s side of the family, because a lot of her family members served,” said Grade 12 student Bronwin Dixon. Former principal Tom Schultz, who is responsible for the school’s monument, says it’s important to connect youth with veterans. “I thought it was a way to involve youth, to remind them of the sacrifices made for their country and the life that they have today. I thought it was very important that we connect our youth with those people who served,” Schultz said. For students, it’s a lesson in history, and a reminder to never forget.
