Central Algoma Students remember the fallen (18 photos)

Students from Central Algoma's Elementary, Intermediate and Secondary school filled the main gymnasium for Remembrance Day program presented with song, dance and the placing of poppies.

Master of Ceremony, Borden Bell told staff and students gathered that 101 years ago today the armistice ending World War One was signed. Six hundred thousand Canadian soldiers served in Europe and only 540,000 returned.

The soldiers of Canada helped establish our standing as an independent nation, showing the rest of the world what it means to be Canadian, courageous, hardworking and strong.

We gather in remembrance every year on this day, Bell went on to say, to commemorate the sacrifices made by millions of brave Canadians in the first and second World Wars, along with the hundreds of thousands of Canadian men and women who have served in wars and peacekeeping missions thereafter. 

Remembrance Day is also about recognizing the tremendous work of Canadian soldiers who are serving around the world today to help keep our world peaceful.

Lest we forget the outstanding work of our soldiers, lest we forget the soldiers who did not return home after the war, and lest we forget the thousands of veterans who returned home to Canada to their families and communities.

We will be forever thankful for the work of our heroic Canadian soldiers.

The reading of In Flanders Fields, poem written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel, John McRae was carried out followed by a short performance of, I've got peace in my fingers by students from the JK/SK and Grade 1/2 classes.

Additional performances included members of the CASS FM, Aine Shryer-O'Gorman, Abby and Grace Wildman and CASS dancers.

Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 pinned poppies to the school's wooden cross in remembrance.

Pausing for remembrance also included staff Central Algoma Secondary School and Central Algoma Elementary School Paul Caldbick and Shannon Cond.

Vicky Biggar has organized the Remembrance Day program for about 10 years.

"I think when the kids are actively involved in making the program it gives them lots of learning opportunities as to why this is such an important day and to continue to recognize," she said. "Our kids have lots of talent and when you talk about events like Remembrance Day through song and dance I think you get a better sense of feeling that is behind by all of this."

Biggar said she saw quite of few tears shed and think that is the emotional effect and kids are a big part of the recognition.

"You can see they are thinking about it and hear they are thinking about it and I feel our kids did a great job putting it together," she said.

Biggar spoke of her grandfather, a Second World War veteran and former prison of war.

"He was shot down and put in a prisoner of war camp for about two years," she said. "The great escape happened at the camp. He was an engineer and helped make the tunnels. He didn't draw a lot to go out. After the first lot went out, his group did not go out.

I am very aware of the sacrifice he made. He died early of stomach cancer."

Present for the Remembrance Day program were two legion members. Three students were also present in uniform.

Students in active service were needed elsewhere, such as the service in Sault Ste. Marie or St. Joseph Island and attended those ceremonies.

The Central Algoma region, Biggar said, has always had a strong military participation with several going on to a career in the military service.

"It's about history in our area," she said.