The Innisfail middle school auditorium was abuzz as the members of the Innisfail Legion, cadets from Penhold Squadron #7 and Innisfail Legion Pipe Band prepared to lead the junior/senior high students into an hour of remembrance on November 6.
Orders were barked, colour was picked up, and the sounds of bagpipes played by Jared Teufel drowned out the last sounds of conversation as a time of respectful commemoration and remembrance began.
Far removed from ‘now', the mournful wail of the pipes moved students, teachers, surviving veterans, and guests into an experience shared, or soon to be shared by hundreds of Innisfail students (earlier that day), thousands across the province, and millions across the country, and beyond.
An air of respect, and appreciation for veterans of the many conflicts Canadian soldiers have found themselves in was obvious. Dual Master of Ceremonies Rael Blain and Devin Cooper led students thoughtfully through a myriad of remembrances.
Jeff Anderson, junior/senior high vice-principal, had high praise for the ceremony. “Rod Andrews, our social studies teacher, plans this every year along with his students. He is very intentful to weave themes of sharing, commemorating, and remembering into every element.”
O Canada was sung by the 400 plus in attendance, in both French and English, celebrating their bilingual country. While unfamiliar in French to some, many mouthed the English lyrics.
Students from every grade contributed to the multi-media presentation. Poetic readings were contributed by Social 10, Why Wear A Poppy?, Flanders Fields and the Prayer of Francis of Assissi were read by English 30 students. God Grant us Peace was performed by the Innisfail School band led by Mr Bushel. A particularly emotional moment was the musical performance of A Soldiers Cry by Allison Stewart.
Innisfail veterans Doug Whorrall and Gilbert Allan were introduced and thanked for their service to our country. Both Whorrall and Gilbert Allen lit a commemorative candle for their friends and colleagues, then stood in salute to their fallen comrades.
All done in respect.
Emcee Devin Cooper felt that respect from the podium. “My grandfather served to liberate Holland, and days like this help keep that history alive, and to remind us to pay respects to the armed forces of our country for their efforts in fighting for the freedom we enjoy,” he declared.
The fallen of the Second World War and First World War were remembered, and their names were read aloud.
The somber moment was broken by the strains of the Last Post, and then a minute of silence in commemoration of the end of the First World War. Scotland the Brave broke through the silence, adding to the solemnity of the moment.
As in thousands of ceremonies past, with echoes of voices long since gone, God Save the Queen finalized the tribute, with deep reverence.
After the ceremony, veterans Whorrall and Allen received thanks from grateful students. The spirit of Remembrance Day is not dead, the spirit of sacrifice is not dead, as Jared Teufel stated, “I will remember, and I will serve.”
