As Remembrance Day approached, students at E.D. Feehan Catholic High School in Saskatoon took time to honour those who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. About 500 students gathered in the school gym for a special Remembrance Day service Tuesday, wearing poppies and observing a moment of silence, while listening to stories from those who served. The service also recognized two people with connections to the school, inducting them into E.D. Feehan’s Wall of Honour. One worked with the United Nations and the other served during the Second World War. Family members of the honourees, who are also staff members at the school, shared their stories with students. The importance of remembering those affected by war was reflected throughout the service. “We stop to remember the lives lost in the past and in current conflicts around the world,” one speaker told the bleachers full of students. Another reminded the audience that taking time to honour those sacrifices is the least they can do. For some students, Remembrance Day has taken on a deeper meaning since joining the E.D. Feehan community. Kleisha Mutia said attending the school helped her better understand the significance of the day. “It was not until I came to Feehan where I really recognized the importance of this day and how much it affects everyone, no matter if they know someone or not,” Mutia told CTV News. For many students the reality of war is not limited to the pages of history books. With newcomers and refugees from around the world attending the school, some have personal connections to conflicts happening today. “Whether it be the conflict in Ukraine or we have some that are refugees, of course, we know our students recognize this,” teacher Thomas McKay said. Mutia said those conflicts are a reminder that war is still affecting people around the world. “War isn’t just something that we hear and write about in our history textbooks, but rather it’s occurring all over the world around us,” she said. Student leaders also recognize the responsibility they have to keep the stories of those who served alive. “It’s important for young people to learn that we need to remember those who have served our communities, and fought alongside other people and countries to help us have a future,” said Katherine Wright, a Grade 12 student. Taking time to reflect on the sacrifices made by others also offers an opportunity to appreciate the peace people can experience today. “There’s such value to me, stopping throughout your day and recognizing that we do have the opportunity to come together and peacefully talk about conflict,” McKay, said. For Mutia, that responsibility extends beyond the school service and into the future. “We carry responsibility of learning and remembering these stories so that we are able to teach them and tell for future generations,” she said. As time passes and fewer veterans remain to share their experiences, students and educators at E.D. Feehan say keeping those stories alive is essential to ensuring the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.
