On November 11, Alpine Public School held a somber and reflective Remembrance Day assembly, featuring stories of a soldier long ago and of a recent past.

Alia’a, a Grade 6 student, began by sharing her family’s incredible journey to Canada. Originally from Iraq, her family escaped their war torn country to come to a land safe and free of war. Her version of modern-day war was from a citizen standpoint and what war looked like as a bystander. As sad as she was to have left family and friends behind, she expressed her appreciation of her new home and knew it was the best decision. Remembrance Day to her means hope.

Mrs. Marigold is a retired teacher from Alpine PS whose son fought in two Afghanistan tours. She told his story, and honoured those who didn’t return home through a video tribute. Her son knew the importance of protecting those who needed it, which is why he enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces. Mrs. Marigold is pleased to say that her son is home safe, but her heart goes out to the families whose loved ones never got to say goodbye. Remembrance Day to her means bravery.

Towards the end of the assembly, a special moment took place. Easton, a Kindergarten student, walked to the front of the gym dressed in his great-great grandfather’s WWI uniform. Trying to hold back the tears, Alpine PS principal Mrs. Markanastasakis read aloud a brief story of Easton’s brave relative. Remembrance Day to him means love.

More than 300 students and staff ‘planted’ paper poppies on the front lawn of the school, recreating the famous Blood Swept Lands, and Seas of Red display originally shown at the Tower of London. ‘Planting’ a poppy was a way for each person to pause and reflect on what Remembrance Day means to them, and a way to honour the soldiers who have died, fought the battle, and continue to defend. We thank them for our on-going safety, peace and freedom in Canada.

Thank you to Alpine PS welcoming the surrounding community into the school for the assembly. Each guest was touched by the stories, videos and poppy ‘planting,’ leaving no dry eye in the building.

 

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Students watch a video tribute to those who didn’t return home from war.

 

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Easton, dressed in his great-great-grandfather’s WWI uniform, plants a poppy on the front lawn of the school.

 

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Students plant poppies on the front lawn of the school.

 

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Mrs. Marigold tells her son’s story of two tours in Afghanistan.