Moving Remembrance Day outdoor assembly at Heroes’ Memorial
On Friday, November 6, the students of Heroes’ Memorial stood outside in the glorious warm sunshine for a first time ever outside Remembrance Day Assembly.
Many school windows facing the
schoolyard were festooned with poppies. It had to be held outside to be able to gather all the students together and to be able to have members of the Legion as visitors.
Five members of the Royal Canadian Legion, branch no. 99, under the direction of President Robert Bouthot,
marched in to the schoolyard with a colour party carrying the Canadian, Quebec, and Legion flags to the gazebo in the centre of the school yard. The regular yearly assembly was shorter. Because of Covid-19, there is no school
choir this year.
The assembly was organized by Gayle Bauer and Josee Menard. I was asked to give a bit of background on the history of Remembrance Day. During the five minute talk a local train must have blown its whistle at least six or seven times. It gave a bit of levity to the assembly.
Three students from Ms. Wisdom’s grade 4 class read out “In Flanders Fields.” Wreaths and a cross were placed on stands. Robert Bouthot read out the Act of Remembrance. The members of the Legion were given a heartfelt clapping salute as they exited the grounds at the end of the ceremony.
Heroes’ Memorial School, formerly Cowansville High School, has always had a close association with the Legion next door. In the days before Heroes’ had a gym, gym classes and assemblies were held in the hall of the Legion.
Once again, the Legion is sponsoring a poster and writing contest. Winners will go on to compete at the provincial level. The bonds between the Legion and the school will continue to be fostered for many years to come.