VES Students Honour Canada’s Veterans

Vermilion Elementary School students and staff gathered in the school gymnasium on November 6 for a Remembrance Day ceremony honouring those who have served, continue to serve, and made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada’s freedom.

The ceremony began at 9 a.m. with Lleyton Bates serving as master of ceremonies. The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Colour Party led the procession, accompanied by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 representatives President Darlene Carrier, First Vice President John Thompson, Poppy Chair Marcel Lefebvre and Barry Roth, along with special guest Captain Ryan Tompsett of the Canadian Armed Forces and piper Lisa Beveridge.

Following O Canada, Bates delivered the Treaty 6 Acknowledgement and welcomed guests, including Buffalo Trail Public Schools trustee Jim King, who addressed those gathered.

The school also acknowledged the recent tragedy at CFB Wainwright, honouring the four Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives and extending heartfelt wishes for healing and recovery to those injured. The tribute served as a reminder that military sacrifices continue to affect families and communities today.

Captain Tompsett, a tank commander and second-in-command of a training company stationed in Wainwright, addressed students with a visual presentation exploring Canada’s military history, current responsibilities and the importance of remembering veterans.

Through photographs and examples, he described the dangers Canadian sailors faced during the Second World War’s Battle of the Atlantic while protecting ships carrying vital supplies.

He also discussed Canada’s military commitments in Latvia and the many ways Armed Forces members serve at home and abroad, from responding to floods and wildfires to rescue operations and supporting international peace and security.

Captain Tompsett highlighted the military’s guiding values of loyalty, integrity, courage, excellence, inclusion and accountability, explaining that service often involves time away from family, difficult decisions and a commitment to helping others.

He spoke about Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, author of In Flanders Fields, the significance of the poppy and Ottawa’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He emphasized remembering those who served in both World Wars, Korea, peacekeeping missions and Afghanistan, along with today’s military personnel.

Engaging students with questions about courage and sacrifice, Captain Tompsett encouraged them to learn about veterans, visit memorials and thank those who served.

“Even if you don’t wear a uniform, you can help by keeping the stories alive of those who do,” he said.

He concluded by explaining the meaning of “Lest we forget.”

“It’s our promise to remember them. To honour their service. And to never forget what they sacrificed so that all of us can live in safety and freedom. Let’s keep that promise, not just today, but every day.”

Following his presentation, students watched a National Veterans’ Week Speakers video before Bates led the Act of Remembrance, with those gathered responding, “We will remember them.”

Bates explained how the Last Post, traditionally sounded at day’s end, symbolizes the death of fallen soldiers during remembrance ceremonies. He encouraged students to reflect during the minute of silence on those who served and the freedoms Canadians enjoy.

The Last Post was followed by a minute of silence, the Lament performed by piper Lisa Beveridge, and the Reveille/Rouse, symbolizing the awakening of the spirit of the fallen.

Bates then read the Commitment to Remember, with students and guests again responding, “We will remember them.”

Students in Grades 1 through 6 performed We Will Remember, followed by Bates explaining the poppy’s significance as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude.

The ceremony concluded with two students from each Grade 1 through 6 class laying wreaths at the front of the gymnasium in tribute to those who gave their lives in service to Canada.

The Colour Party’s departure marked the ceremony’s end, leaving students with a reminder that remembrance means not only honouring the past but carrying forward the stories and sacrifices of those who protected Canada’s freedom.