The USC observes Remembrance Day
This Friday, the USC will observe Remembrance Day with a ceremony in the McKellar Room at 10:30 AM. On this day, people across the country take a moment to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices that countless Canadian Armed Forces veterans have made for our county. Since 1931, Canada has observed a moment of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month every year; the official ceasefire time of World War I in 1918. Over 15 million people lost their lives in that war, and 61,000 of them were Canadian.
Peter Kermack, a second year Commercial Aviation Student and a Social Science USC Councillor will be the MC for the ceremony. Peter, who has a military background, offered to help plan the ceremony and was asked to preside over it as MC. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn and truly appreciate what veterans have done for us as Canadians, so that we may now live in a more free and just society. Words cannot describe the admiration I have for these brave soldiers, sailors, and aviators,” said Peter. “The least we can do for them is honour them on Remembrance Day, and throughout the year.”
Peter has been involved in many Remembrance Day services since his first at 12 years old. Now, he works to bring attention to the importance of observing this day for students: “Students should continue to mark this day, as we must honour the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Understanding the past allows us to continue to build a brighter future, one without conflict between nations.”
As students, the easiest way to support our veterans is by attending commemorative services and buying poppies. “All funds collected [by the sale of poppies] go straight to the Royal Canadian Legion,” said Peter. “The legion helps thousands of veterans each year and makes significant positive changes in their lives.”
Peter will be at the Remembrance Day Ceremony in McKellar Room 240 from 10:30-11:30 AM in the UCC. Doors open at 10 AM. The ceremony will have speeches from USC president Ethan Gardner, University President Alan Shephard, and Distinguished University Professor Jonathan F. Vance.
Poems will be read and a moment of silence will be observed at 11 AM. The event will also be live streamed on the USC’s Facebook Page.
