Students and staff from Gordon F. Kells High School and Carlyle Elementary School gathered to pay tribute to those who fought for this country.
The service, which was organized by high school teacher Mrs. Biberdorf, was led by the students of G.F.K. making the message that more applicable to the audience of Kindergarten to grade twelve students.
The service started with the welcoming of those in attendance, followed by the entry of the Colour Party and the bringing in of the colours by local cadets. Local Legion representatives included Jack Beatty, John Voutour, Harvey Rounce and Audrey Young. Constable Kirk Butt was on hand to represent the Carlyle and area RCMP detachment. Local cadets included Daniel Procyk, Nathan Ingram, Gavin Walters, Lucas Kennedy, and Liam Shirley.
The service, geared towards the students, did an outstanding job of explaining the importance of the day to those in attendance. The students and organizer of the event did the day of memorial justice as students left with an understanding of the significance and importance of the day.
The service began with an explanation of why we pay tribute to those who fought for our freedom. Jessie Young, one of the students who participated in the Remembrance Day service, told those in attendance, "The ability to remember isn't just about having been there. It comes from knowing why peace and freedom is important enough to protect worldwide. Remembrance Day provides the opportunity for all of us to show our Saskatchewan and Canadian spirit. We are proud of what Canadians have accomplished in times of war."
The gymnasium was filled with poppies as every single student, staff member and community member in attendance wore one in remembrance and support. Young went on to explain the importance of the poppy. "The poppy became known as a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance during the First World War. It continues today as one of the visible symbols of our caring about those who served our country, and our understanding of why their service is important. Wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, is a personal way of saying, I know, and I care."
Tori Strongeagle told the crowd, "Veterans of all ages have stories of discipline, courage, boredom, sacrifice, loneliness and hard work to share. They also have stories of pride, fear, friendship and skill, as they carried out their duties. These heroes could be our brother, sister, friend, father, mother or neighbour."
This was followed by a skit performed by Breanna Kehler, Emily Klatt and Rachel Corrigan where a grandmother explained to a young child the significance of the poppy. John McRae and Megan McAuley performed a skit of a soldiers experience in the German trenches, followed by a unique recital of In Flanders Fields by students in grades 10 and 12.
Wreaths were then laid on behalf of the Legion, the RCMP, Gordon F. Kells High School teachers and students, and Carlyle Elementary School teachers and students.
Corrigan then explained that, "Across Canada, and in many other countries around the world, people gather on Nov. 11 to pay homage to the courage and devotion of brave men and women who made the supreme sacrifice. During this time, a bugler plays the Last Post, which symbolizes death; it is followed by two minutes of silence."
"After the two minutes of silence Reveille is played. Usually, it is played to awaken soldiers in the morning, but on Nov. 11 it signifies that the soldiers live on and life continues." Corrigan's explanation was followed by the playing of the Last Post, two minutes of silence, and the Reveille.
Students left the service with a new understanding of Remembrance Day and its significance. They paid tribute to those that fought for our freedom and did a remarkable job of showing others just how important Remembrance Day is. Needless to say, the youth of Carlyle remembered.
