Barrhead’s youth last Thursday honoured the sacrifices of servicemen and women in Canada and around the world.
In separate ceremonies, the schools paid tribute to fallen heroes through songs, poetry, speeches … and silence.
Students learned of the price of freedom. They learned of Canada’s debt of gratitude to those who fought in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Afghanistan conflict and peacekeeping missions.
At Barrhead Composite High School, students also heard from special guest speaker and BCHS 2001 graduate Master Corporal Shawn Grove, who served with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, PPCLI based out of CBF Edmonton.
Grove, who has served in multiple tours overseas, shared some of his experiences in Afghanistan through a series of photos in order to give students insight.
“The heat, the smells, the sights, the sounds, it’s hard to compare,” Grove told the packed gym. “The best way to describe Afghanistan, is like landing on another planet.”
Time spent in war is an experience that never leaves a soldier, said Grove. Nov. 11 is not only a day to remember those who have fallen, but to honour the soldiers still fighting and the veterans who remain.
“I have lost dozens of friends, and several have succumbed to psychological issues as well,” said Grove. “Remembrance Day is a pretty big one to me and my fellow veterans.”
At Barrhead Elementary School, Afghanistan War veteran Master Corporal Ryan Sebo said a soldier’s toughest challenge sometimes confronted him before he entered the theatre of war. Sometimes, he said, parting from a love one is the most heart-wrenching experience. After all, soldiers are trained to fight, not to say goodbye.
“The fight we face is not always easy when you are leaving family and friends behind,” he told the Remembrance Day Assembly.
He went on to acknowledge war veterans who formed the colour party at the assembly and sat at one end of the gym. Without their sacrifices, he said, Canadians would not be able to enjoy today’s freedoms.
“You would not have the freedom to come to school, laugh and play and build snowmen in winter with all your friends,” he told youngsters. He called on students to show their appreciation to veterans.
“I would urge every single one of you to walk up to a veteran and give him a big hug and say think you,” he said. The gym was packed with parents, staff and children for the hour-long commemoration. The last post was played by Melissa Hubscher and Tyson Fedunak
