Memories don't always have to be one's own to have an impact.
Students from Maidstone's elementary and high school shared a Remembrance Day service Wednesday morning. The mood was sombre, the lighting dim and the air filled with respect as everyone listened to the honour roll being read, the playing of the Last Post and other words remembering war and the soldiers lost.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion and RCMP formed a colour guard, who followed floor track lighting to the front of the high school gymnasium.
Traditional elements of a Remembrance Day service were blended with those showing the creativity and gratitude of the students. Members of the high school rock band and some of the Grade 10 students prepared a rendition of John Lennon's Imagine with the band playing and the others offering actions to enhance the message of the song.
Ali Franks and Astrid Nyame prepared a video presentation including clips of Canadian soldiers at their work, people from the community speaking about Remembrance Day and emotional segments showing North American service people being reunited with their families.
Celynn Elder led the singing of the national anthem and returned to the stage later in the service to share a poem she had written.
The students of the elementary school sang a song inspired by the poppies of Flanders Field. Community members, staff and students all took the time to remember, reflect and hope preparing for a long weekend dedicated to those who have served their country.
