STOUGHTON - Stoughton Central School held a heartfelt Remembrance Day service on Nov. 7 to honour the sacrifices of veterans and service members.
This annual event brought students, teachers, families and community members, creating a solemn atmosphere for reflection on the significance of the day.
The service began with students entering the school gymnasium, which transformed into a commemorative space adorned with the Canadian flag and poppies. Every student was wearing a poppy.
Teacher Scott Kirkness was the MC for the event and he explained to the students the conditions that many of the soldiers lived in while at war.
He spoke about the trenches that the soldiers lived in, and how wet and cold they often were. The soldiers feet were often soaking wet and they were hurting from the moisture. It was referred to as trench foot.
The conditions were horrific, yet they battled on to keep people free in their own countries.
Kirkness went on to explain that during the war nine million people died, which was 6,000 people dying daily. He told the students the reason for the red and purple poppies and why it was so important to wear them over the heart.
The gymnasium was completely quiet as he spoke, and he praised the younger children for being so attentive.
As part of the ceremony, Bob O’Connor and Ray Coderre from the Stoughton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion were also present.
Coderre said that he often been asked if he was in the war, because he has several medals on his jacket. He was not in the war, but his medals come from being a volunteer fire fighter for many years.
Coderre works for the veterans, and he goes around to all of the legions, asking if anyone needs support or help financially.
He is also fighting to get firefighters and first responders recognized as veterans as they also go out every day and save lives.
As part of the ceremony, students read poems they wrote about the meaning of Remembrance Day.
These readings captured both the solemnity and gratitude of the occasion, as students expressed their appreciation for the bravery and dedication of those who have served.
The service included a moment of silence when the crowd stood and paid their respects.
The Last Post was played, creating a powerful moment of unity and reverence, giving the students time to soak up all that they had heard that morning.
Stoughton Central School has a long-standing tradition of organizing an annual Remembrance Day service, emphasizing the importance of teaching younger generations about history, sacrifice and the role of the military in protecting peace.
It is the school's way to keep educators and students to reflect on the importance of remembering this important day.
