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What follows is the address given to our Junior School to commemorate this event.
On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. the First World War ended. Since that time, people worldwide have used the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour to remember and honour those members of the military who fought and sacrificed their lives. It is also a time to recognize the people, both past and present, who have fought and continue to fight for freedom and keeping the peace. Remembrance Day is a time to be thankful for our freedoms and to remember the importance of peace.
One of the symbols for Remembrance Day is the poppy. The poppy is a flower that grew on the battlefields of Europe and became a symbol to recognize and remember the sacrifice of those members of the army, air force and navy who lost their lives. When I look at a poppy and see the four petals I also think of GNS’s core values. I am reminded of the importance of truth, courage, caring and community to help resolve times of conflict. The centre reminds me of individuality because it is different from the red petals and yet important to holding the poppy together. Each of you is so different and special, and your presence is what makes GNS such a wonderful, strong community.
Even though we are part of a community, we are not always going to get along, but it is how we handle those disagreements that is important. It’s remembering to use our words and not our bodies. It’s remembering that sometimes doing what is right is not always popular, and sometimes what’s popular is not always right. And because of that, it is important that we listen to our hearts and do the right thing even when no one is watching. Behind me is beautiful artwork created by our students to remind us of the importance of having your actions follow your heart and a path of kindness, love and peace with those around you.
As we participate in today’s Remembrance Day ceremony, I hope you think about what peace means to you, the things you are thankful for as we have the privilege to live in Canada, and how you can help to make the world a better place when we use our core values of truth, courage, caring, community and individuality to treat each other the way we would like to be treated. May your true colours shine in all that you do.
