Honouring heroes: A call for photos

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Senator Gershaw School is hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony on November 6 at 10:45. In honour of those that have served, the school has a very special request.

“Senator Gershaw and Bow Island Elementary would really like to recognize the veterans and active participants of the military in our community; their hearts, and their commitment to protecting our country and our community,” says Jessica Shigehiro. “We would love to extend our thanks by asking community members to attend our ceremony and to please submit photos of themselves or ancestors by email (the email address is jessicarussell@prrd8.ca) or by dropping them off at the school no later than November 5.”

She notes that dropped off photos will be returned to the families, who can pick up the photos later at the school. 

The origins of Canadian Remembrance Day trace back to the end of World War I. The armistice agreement, which marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. This momentous event symbolized not just the conclusion of a devastating war but also the beginning of a period of reflection and healing for nations involved.

In the aftermath of the war, many countries felt a profound need to commemorate the sacrifice and service of their soldiers. In Canada, this led to the establishment of Remembrance Day, observed annually in November.

In schools, educational activities surrounding Remembrance Day teach younger generations about the significance of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the impact of their service on Canadian society, which still persists today.

Please join the ceremony, which will be attended by all the students and is open to the community, on the 6th, and please share service and/or veteran photos of yourself or ancestors as the event honours the past, present and future Canadians have freedom, thanks, in a large part, to our military.