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Nov. 11 more meaningful for WOSS student after visit to Auschwitz By Hazel Garde, Grade 10, White Oaks S.S. 31 · Friday, November 9, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com N ov. 11. A day that marks the horror of war and honours the fallen. A day that now has a special meaning for me because it brings together all of the memories of my life-changing journey into history. In April, I was one of 22 students and nine adults from White Oaks Secondary School who travelled to Europe for two weeks. The starting point of this amazing journey was to join 4,000 Canadian students for the 95th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge. The day began with a silent march to the summit of the ridge where a Remembrance Day-like ceremony was held, including speeches from veterans, dignitaries, and students. We toured the breathtaking 10-storey-high monument, etched with the names of every fallen soldier at Vimy. Each of us had researched a soldier and it was emotional to find my soldier's name on the monument. We walked the trenches, struggling to imagine soldiers fighting there for days, months, years on end. We all lit candles and made our pledge to remember. Next, we had the amazing opportunity of visiting Anne Frank's annex. We filed silently through the rooms where she and her family hid. We saw pages from the actual diary, her photos and scribbles on the walls, and it all became very real to us. It is extremely important to remember people like Anne; who had hopes and dreams, who was a talented writer, yet who never reached her 16th birthday. The horrors of the Holocaust became even more real when we journeyed to the chilling location of Auschwitz. It was a deeply moving experience and some of us held hands for support. Shoes that were taken from those who entered Auschwitz and mounds of hair that was cut from the victims were placed in glass cases. Many took photos, but not I. I felt that walking through Auschwitz was something to experience and remember in my heart. We walked through the doors into the dreaded gas chambers, where hundreds of thousands were silenced forever. Nobody spoke. We were all taking it in and try- ing to comprehend it in our own way. Our trip also took us to the Stalag Prisoner of War Camp, the Theresienstadt ghetto and other cities so impacted by war including Dresden, Berlin, Prague and Budapest. After all of these experiences, this Remembrance Day is going to feel all the more significant. This Nov. 11, I will close my eyes and remember not only the brave soldiers that died, but also the innocent men, women, and children who were victims of war. I have walked over ground where thousands of victims died in war. I have laid flowers on the gravestones of soldiers. I have said prayers and thanks that I am safe and sheltered from war. I have never felt more connected to the people who have died at the mercy of greed and hatred. Lest we forget. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at ellergreen58@gmail.com. Inter-Can Painting Inc. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS · Plaster Repair · Interior/Exterior · Stucco · Personalized Service · Wallpapering/ Stripping · Free Estimate (owner) Over 30 Years In Business Hubert Klein (905) 469 - 0092 1426 Wallace Rd. #3, Oakville $50 Valid Until December 30, 2012 Any Work Over $500 Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning 1430 Trafalgar Road (at Upper Middle), Oakville OFF MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL CENTRE · Montessori Curriculum for children aged 2 ½ to 6, including music, gym program, creative arts and outdoor play · Half day programs. Now registering for afternoon program · Qualified & experienced Montessori teachers For more information, call 905-845-9430, ext. 2325 SHERIDAN CHILD CARE CENTRE · Spots available, accepting registrations · Full-day child care for children 18 mos. - 5 yrs. · Junior and Senior Kindergarten Program · Qualified & experienced Early Childhood Educators For more information, call 905-815-4033 Sheridan Montessori Preschool Centre is accredited by the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators. Sheridan Child Care Centre certified by the High Scope Foundation. Halton `Quality First' initiative Participants. Join us for our OPEN HOUSE Nov. 10, 2012 earlychildhoodcentres.sheridancollege.ca