Anniversary of first Remembrance Day and fallen Pen-Hi graduate celebrated

Pentiction’s two high schools combined forces to create an impactful Remembrance Day ceremony that took place Thursday and commemorated a local hero.

Over 1,000 residents and students gathered at Gyro Park to pay their respects to past and current soldiers who have given their lives, or are currently putting their lives on the line, to keep Canada safe.

Many audience members wiped tears from their eyes during the performance.

The ceremony was organized by Grade 12 students Grace Grant of Pen-Hi and Grace Robinson of Princess Margaret.

“We decided that considering it’s the 100th anniversary since the first Remembrance Day, we wanted to make this year a little different and a little more special,” said Grant.

Traditionally, Pen-Hi holds its ceremony indoors, which both Grant and Robinson agreed needed to change.

“An indoor ceremony is not nearly as impactful, and not nearly as engaging,” said Robinson.

“We thought, ‘Why don’t we come together?’ We’re two pretty passionate people about this,” she added, after explaining that Maggie’s been holding its Remembrance Day ceremony outdoors for seven years now.

“We combined forces and have been working together on this since August. We came about with this final idea in October . . . and we just made it happen with a lot of help and support from a lot of the teachers,” said Grant.

This year, the ceremony included a song called “The Letter” that commemorates Pen-Hi graduate Capt. Jonathon Snyder.

Synder died in 2008 after falling into a 20-metre well while conducting a night patrol on his second tour in Afghanistan. It was his third trip overseas. He was 26 years old.

The song was written by Grant’s sister Belle, and sung by Grant. Inspiration came after reading letters written by Snyder during his time in Afghanistan.

As she sang, male students read passages inspired by Synder’s letters home.

Grant’s sister started the tradition of Maggie’s outdoor Remembrance Day ceremonies and inspired the two girls to keep it going this year.

MELANIE EKSAL/Penticton Herald Grace Grant of Pen-Hi, centre stage, sings an original song titled “The Letter,” which was written by her older sister, Belle Grant. Grant and Grace Robinson of Princess Margaret arranged the Remembrance Day ceremony in Gyro Park on Thursday that saw well over 1,000 in attendance.