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Students rem em ber veterans past and present by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff__________________________________ Dozens of tiny lights, each representing a different lost Canadian veteran, shone through a darkened gymnasium at St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School on Friday (Nov. 10) as students and staff took a moment to remember. The ceremony, which was attended by more than 100 students, attempted to drive home the high cost of freedom, noting that during the First World War Battle of Vimy Ridge alone more than 3,500 Canadian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. "This is a very special and solemn day that w e remember the sacrifices given for us to have the life that w e have here in Canada, and in Oakville, and at St. Dominic School," said vice principal Paul Deoni. "We are very blessed to have all the things we have at our school and in our community and w e have a great debt to those who allowed us to have that." Grade 7 students Jasmine Sy and Ella Figueiredo noted 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of Canada. Peace is not achieved without sacrifice, they said, noting 2017 is also the 100th anniversary of the First World War battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War Dieppe Raid. "As children who grow up in the Bronte area of Oakville, w e are surrounded by beauty, peace and the support of our community, ranging from our families, teachers, parish and community groups," said Ella. "Our right to grow up in peace and to fulfil our God-given potential has been safeguarded by the men and wom en of our armed forces." Those present heard from Oakville MPP and Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn, who talked about the loss of his grandmother during a bombing raid on England during the Second World War. Flynn' s mother barely escaped the same fate, leaving the family home to go see a movie shortly before the bombing. "That affected her for the rest of her life," said Flynn. "I'm telling that story because when we talk about Remembrance Day, w e're talking about the sacrifices made by some very brave men and women who supported us when we St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School students held a Remembrance Day ceremony, inviting local veterans and Ontario Labour Minister and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. | Riziero Vertolli/Metroland needed them the most." Flynn noted that had so many not volunteered to go to war and risk their lives the world could be a very different place. "We have freedom, w e have democracy, we have the right to run our own lives and it is only because of our veterans and the people who continue to join the army, navy and Air Force and serve in places like Afghanistan and other areas around the globe where people still need help," said Flynn. "Someone once said, `the world needs a lot more Canada.' I think that' s true." Mike Vencel, who served with the Canadian Forces during the Cold War, also spoke to the students. He noted Canadian soldiers are known as peacekeepers, but said their main job is to help people, and for decades Canadian soldiers have done just that building schools, orphanages and helping people recover from disasters. Vencel said at this moment there are Canadian military ships in the Caribbean helping people there put their lives back together following a devastating series of hurricanes. To help those present better relate to the soldiers of the past, students read a number of letters written by Canadians in the trenches of the First World War. One such letter was written by John Walter Ellis on April 14, 1917. "My Own Darling Kitty Here I am sitting in my dugout back of the line and have found a minute to write you a wee line, as I know how you'll be worrying and wondering how I'm keeping. Well, darling, no doubt the papers will be full of the great Canadian advance and I must say I'm truly thankful the Almighty has spared m e this far and I only trust he will bring m e safely through and back to my loved ones ... I had several narrow escapes but thank God I'm yet safe and well. I do hope and pray it will soon be all over as I don't want to see anything like it again." The students also paid their respects to Canadian soldiers who survived the conflict in Afghanistan, but were unable to get over the trauma they experienced there and ultimately took their own lives. As students read John McCrae' s poem In Flanders Fields, a screen at the front of the room displaced images of some of these fallen soldiers. They were not in uniform, but were shown interacting with their families, dressing up for Halloween with their children, holding their sleeping infants. Students shone tiny lights in the darkened gymnasium to honour these soldiers. "As a society, w e are beginning to recognize that soldiers who return home are injuredtheir hearts and minds need healing," said Ella and Jasmine. "Mental health is just as important as physical health. Many are haunted by what they saw and heard. Some soldiers suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some take their own life due to the scars of war. We honour those soldiers who returned home, but could not heal from the nightmares of war." N o m in a te a J u n io r C itiz e n in y o u r co m m u n ity Do you know someone who is involved in worthwhile community service, is contributing while living with a limitation, has performed a heroic act, demonstrates individual excellence, or is going above and beyond to help others? If so, nominate them today! Nadine Carter, Stouffville, ON 2016 Ontario Junior jr Citizen Sponsored by: Tyson Le Lefebvre Stittsville ON Stittsville, 2015Ontai 2015 Ontario Junior Citizen Mansimran Anand, Brampton, ON 2016 Ontario Junior Citizen Nom inations close November 30, 2017. Forms and information are available from this newspaper, and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association at ocna.org/juniorcitizen. Celebrate what makes your community great ONTARIO JUNIOR CITIZEN AWARDS X A ID