COLD LAKE - Cold Lake Assumption Jr./Sr. High School held its annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 8, allowing students, teachers, and community members an opportunity to pay tribute to Canada’s veterans and active service members.
Led by the school’s senior band, the ceremony featured traditional observances, including a reading of In Flanders Fields, a march by students, a wreath laying, and a special guest speaker - Master Warrant Officer Don Kaiser.
“Today we gather to honour and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to serve in our armed forces,” said Principal Elaine Ernst.
Highlighting the solemn purpose of Remembrance Day, she added, “This occasion provides us with the opportunity to remember the courage, the strength, and the selflessness of those who have given so much for our freedom."
Ernst encouraged those in attendance to remember people who live without freedom.
“We also bring to mind all of those in the world who live without freedom, and we pray for their well-being and their strength.”
Ernst took a moment to recognize those who joined the ceremony.
“I’d like to extend a special welcome to our guests here today . . Thank you for coming to share this day with us. Your presence means so much as we reflect the importance of our reverence and the collective spirit of our community.”
Kaiser, a veteran of Canada’s Armed Forces, spoke about the history and legacy of Canadian military service. He recounted Canada’s long-standing commitment to peace and security, noting that, “Throughout Canada’s history, dating back even before confederation, generations upon generations have served with honour to protect our beautiful country and the people who live here.”
Kaiser shared his own experiences, from early work as an avionics technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force to his current responsibilities overseeing aircraft and weaponry safety protocols.
He also reflected on the personal sacrifices of service members, stating, “Being a member of the military can be a difficult job, whether it’s on the home front, here, on the base, or when we carry out our task, which we’ve been trained to do.”
He continued, “To know that you’re part of something bigger than yourself, to be a source of light in the darkness, hope of the hopeless, that makes the work we do so worthwhile.”
The ceremony concluded with Kaiser’s reflections of the enduring legacy of Canada’s military.
“Veterans Week and Remembrance Day is a time to remember and give thanks to those Canadian Armed Forces members who have served and who are serving today, our veterans who fought so bravely to help their fellow Canadians and others in need around the world.”
Kaiser emphasized every Canadian’s role in keeping the message alive.
“These stories are ours. They belong to us all. And by sharing them, you’re helping tell the story of Canada and inspiring those around you to be a force for good in the world. Lest we forget.
