A ceremony for Remembrance Day that was short, but no less heartfelt, was held at the Canora Composite School auditorium on November 10.
Students from both Canora Composite School and Canora Junior Elementary School attended the event, as well as several guests and RCMP member Sgt. Greg Smith. Members of the Canora branch of the Royal Canadian Legion who attended included Pat Thompson, Ian White, and Paul Fransishyn. Emcees for the event were Abby Gulka and Felicity Mydonick.
After a short introduction, the Canora air cadets led the colour march. Following that, O Canada was performed by Carmen Stusek, who was accompanied by Abby Gulka.
Poetry was read that reflected the theme of Remembrance Day, including Little Poppies by the Grade 1 class and In Flanders Fields by Graham Wilgosh and Jill Gulka.
The Canora Junior Elementary School’s choir performed Song of Peace, which moved many audience members. Though applauding was not permitted during the service as a sign of respect, once the song was over, Rod Steciuk said, “I want to clap.”
Following was The Last Post and a moment of silence, after which Jensen Gabora read the short poem, Why We Wear a Poppy.
Wreaths were laid by Legion members, as well as members of the air cadets and Canora Composite School students. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge, and so a short video was played, telling the story of the 4,000 people lost in “the battle that every Canadian should be proud of.”
The service ended with a performance of God Save the Queen by Stusek and Gulka before the cadets performed the march-off with the colours.
