On Nov. 9 at 10:30 a.m., the students of H. Hardcastle School in Edam remembered those who fought and are still serving for the freedom we enjoy today. The ceremonies were led by Grade 12 student Brooke Bonsan. The Legion members and honoured guests were escorted in by flag bearers Ava LaClare and Delainee Rogers. Following Kylie Bec singing the national anthem, students who placed first in the Legion poem and essay contest from last year were called upon to read their entries – Mia Weber, Abbey Harty and Jade Cole. Reading their winning essays were Lacy Pelchat, Laney Blanchette and Brook Mack.
Performing poems were the Grade 2 class reciting Little Poppy and the Grade 3 class reciting Poppy, Poppy. This was followed by the video called A Pittance In Time by Terry Kelly.
The Act of Remembrance marked the 100th anniversary of the end of The First World War, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Those laying wreaths were: Grade 12, Hunter Goodall: Grade 11, Lester Li; Grade 10, Logan Doetzle; Grade 9, Shauna Rae Burgess; Grade 8, Ashten Wagner, Grade 7, Shyla Sitter; Grade 6, Michael St. Amant; Grade 5, Regan Babchuk; Grade 4, Hudson Sayers; Grade 3, Taylor Pelchat and Anna Buitenhuis; Grade 2, Klay Weber; Grade 1, Preston Troesch and Brynlee Weber; Staff, Mrs. Andrea Harty; School Community Council, Mrs. Danielle Troesch; and Royal Canadian Legion, Judy Carignan. Following was the Last Post, a minute of silence and the Reveille.
A PowerPoint presentation was shown featuring family members of the students that have served our country.
With the service drawing to a close, the honoured guests and Legion members were escorted out by the flag bearers to the song Proud To Be A Canadian.
Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m., the Remembrance Day service was led by Legion Member Judy Carignan. Following the national anthem, Huguette MacGregor was called upon to read In Flanders Fields as is tradition. The message this year was one from the Legion, stating the beginnings of the Royal Canadian Legion from the First World War.
Following the reading of the message, wreaths were laid by Myrna Head, Gary Blanchette, Kyle Esquirol, Louis McCaffrey and Elaine L’Heureux. Honour guard this year consisted of Cadet Ava LaClare, Knights of Columbus Murielle Corbeil, John Gorski, Leon Ferron, Tommy Lightfoot and John Vany.
Following the service all were invited to share in lunch and fellowship.
