Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day at St. Michael’s
The St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) community gathered on Wednesday, November 11, for its annual Remembrance Day Service.
In the week leading up to the service, morning prayers and reflections were dedicated to the St. Michael’s students lost in war, with a special tribute to those who fought at the Battle of the Somme more than 110 years ago.
The community also remembered the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans and highlighted the intensification of Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan 20 years ago. Through ‘Wear Red for Heroes Day,’ the school community also came together to support the True Patriot Love Foundation, an organization that supports mental health, physical rehabilitation, and transition programmes for Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families.
The Remembrance Day service included a school-wide assembly that reflected on the Battle of the Somme through video presentations and student readings of letters written by Lt. Raymond Penniman, who was killed in action on October 8, 1916.
The highlight of the service was an address from guest of honour retired master corporal Mike Trauner, a veteran of the conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Trauner is a recipient of the Medal of Valour and the Sacrifice Medal, and a medalist at both the Invictus Games and the Paralympic Games. Later in the day, Trauner and his wife, Leah, met with SMCS Wellness and Leadership groups, along with football and hockey teams, to speak about resilience and overcoming challenges.
Read a selection of testimonials from our students:
“Playing the Last Post on Remembrance Day was a deeply emotional experience for me. Standing before the silent crowd, knowing every note carried the weight of proud sacrifice. It mattered because it gave our community a shared moment to honour those who gave everything for our freedom. It also ensured that those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country will never be forgotten.” – Benjamin Atkin, Grade 12
“Reading a soldier’s letter was a meaningful experience. It gave me the opportunity to share their personal experiences and help bring their stories to our school community. It was a reminder that Remembrance Day is about recognizing the sacrifices of those who served and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.” – Gavin McAlpine, Grade 12
“Reading the letters sent by past soldiers allowed me to gain a further understanding of how war truly felt for both the fighters and the families back home who did not even know if their sons were alive. My own grandpa fought in Vietnam, and by reading at our ceremony, I felt that I gained a deeper insight into how his life was.” – Wallace Dempsey, Grade 12
“Being able to participate in this past Remembrance Day Ceremony allowed me to connect with my own family members who served this country. While they, along with many others, may not be with us today, their spirit of bravery and courage still lives on.” – Lake Kreklewetz, Grade 12
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