Student and soldier: What does Remembrance Day mean for them?
For Canadians, Nov. 11 is a recognized day of remembrance for fallen soldiers. A day to acknowledge those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As a student at Bishop’s University, an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces, and someone whose family has also served in the military, Zachary Griffiths-julien holds the 11th as an important day each year.
Both his father and uncle served as loyal members of the Canadian Navy. “I’ve wanted to join ever since I was young, so at the earliest opportunity I started the enrollment process,” he said. “My entire family was really supportive of my decision as military service had become commonplace within my family, so my choice to serve wasn’t surprising.”
Griffiths-julien is also a full-time student at Bishop’s University. “The Canadian Forces provides excellent opportunities to students who wish to serve their country while continuously pursuing their studies,” he said.
As an Infantry soldier, Griffiths-julien is always perfecting his knowledge about combat operations and safe weapons handling. “I was fortunate enough to have deployed on Operation PRESENCE, in support of the Canadian Forces peacekeeping operation in Mali, Africa,” he said. “I was attached to a force protection team in Dakra, Senegal and tasked with the protection of Canadian aircraft and personnel during resupply operations.”
“I would say my greatest challenge has been to balance my student life and studies with my work schedule in the Canadian Forces, but this has not been impossible. It’s been overwhelming at times but each obstacle and lesson the military has taught me has been invaluable and directly applicable to my student life, like time management skills and leadership abilities.”
Each year, in support of the Royal Canadian Legion and their poppy drive, as well as those who have given their lives and sacrificed for our country, Griffiths-julien, like many other Canadians, wears his poppy proudly over his heart. “Every year for as long as I can remember I have participated in a Remembrance Day Ceremony,” said Griffiths-julien. “I wear my poppy and thank a veteran for their service to their country. All of this allows me to pay my respects to the veterans and fallen members of the military.”