SMCS Gathers to Remember
On November 10, 2023, St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) students and staff participated in the annual Remembrance Day Service, commemorating the St. Michael’s College School Fallen – the 121 young men who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country in wartime. In addition, the school also remembered the Canadian involvement in the Battle of Ortona, which took place in late 1943 and early 1944.
The service featured a meaningful address from retired commander Thomas Flavin ’84, who served in the navy and as a legal officer in the Office of the Judge Advocate General.
Leading up to the service, the SMCS community spent time throughout the week offering daily prayers and morning reflections. The school also participated in ‘Wear Red for Heroes’ day on Thursday, November 9, with a collection for True Patriot Love Foundation, a charity that supports Canadian military members, veterans, and their families.
To help ensure that the memory of the fallen soldiers remained at the forefront of the students’ minds, images of the SMCS Fallen, complete with their rank, regiment, and date of death, were affixed to the window of each classroom door. Students were encouraged to take a moment to contemplate these images and reflect on their choice to serve others.
“These are our SMCS brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice during wartime,” says David Lee ’94, Vice Principal. “They were young men, just like our current students, who answered the call to serve. They did so willingly, without any thought of personal gain, and ultimately gave their lives in defence of freedom. It is our hope that their selflessness and commitment to service will inspire us all to be better people who take up the shield of St. Michael and defend those in need. We hope our students will be inspired to lead lives of service and put the needs of others before our own.”
During the Remembrance Day procession, crosses bearing the names of these courageous men were carried and later placed in the front yard of the school. These crosses were illuminated by candles throughout the night, serving as a solemn and meaningful way to honour their pledge in the Act of Remembrance: “We will remember them.”
For those who wish to view a recording of the service, please watch the video below:
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