COLD LAKE - The Cold Lake Outreach School, which serves students in Grade 10 to 12, commemorated Remembrance Day with a ceremony held at the school on Nov. 7.
The solemn event, attended by students and staff, featured a land acknowledgment, music, and a presentation by a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Teacher Angela Kynaston organized and opened the ceremony with a warm welcome and respectful land acknowledgment.
“We wish to acknowledge that where we are today is within the boundaries of Treaty 6, which was first signed at Fort Carlton, Sask., in 1876.”
Kynaston continued, explaining the vast reach of Treaty 6, which “covers large portions of central Alberta and Saskatchewan, and encompasses preserved land of 18 First Nation bands.”
The school listened to songs that honoured Canada’s veterans, and those who continue to serve, and also recognized a moment of silence.
Keynote speaker of the day, Warrant Officer Jonathan McArthur, shared stories from his 22 years of service with the Canadian Armed Forces, reflecting on the significance of Remembrance Day.
“Sometimes there's pain to learn a lesson. And I find some of this material at this time of year is pretty emotional,” McArthur shared, setting a reflective tone. “But we're here to talk about people’s sacrifice.”
McArthur emphasized the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces throughout history, from Vimy Ridge to modern-day deployments.
“Through Canada’s history dating back even before Confederation, generations upon generations have served with honour to protect our beautiful country and the people that live here.”
He spoke candidly about the challenging nature of military service, sharing his own experiences.
“Being a member of the Canadian Air Force is a difficult job. I won’t lie to anybody about that.”
McArthur highlighted the weight of missing personal milestones while serving and the resilience required to meet these demands.
“Sometimes we can't even celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other milestones . . . And we always have to be ready to step up and fight and risk our lives to help others.”
The presentation also emphasized the profound connection soldiers share with each other and their communities.
“To know that you’re part of something bigger, bigger than yourself, to be a source of light in the darkness, and a hope for hopelessness, that makes the work we do so worthwhile,” McArthur shared.
He concluded his talk by highlighting the importance of stories, both personal and historical, to keep the memory of those who served alive.
“I’d just like to say that we know in our cultures we share a lot of stories, there’s a strong oral tradition, so that when you’re able to talk about people, you know, in that light, you’re able to bring their spirit back.”
As the ceremony concluded, McArthur urged everyone to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of Canadian Armed Forces members and to carry forward the legacy of remembrance in their own lives.
“You can honour our military’s legacy by sharing what you’ve learned, wearing the poppy, attending a Remembrance Day ceremony, or simply pausing for a moment of silence on Nov. 11.”
