Students and staff at École R.W. Bobby Bend School gathered in the gymnasium on Friday, Nov. 7 for a thoughtful and heartfelt Remembrance Day service honouring the sacrifices of Canadian veterans and active service members.
Students participated in the Peace Pledge, spelling out the message “Peace begins with me” during the school’s Remembrance Day assembly
The ceremony featured special guest sergeant-at-arms Howard Hilstrom and guest speaker Megan Van Heyst, an educational assistant at the school who also serves as an infantry soldier with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in the Canadian Army Reserve. Van Heyst spoke to students about her training, including a recent cold-weather exercise in the Yukon where soldiers worked alongside members of the Canadian Rangers, and emphasized the importance of remembering those who have served.
“Every November, we take time to remember the people who have served and sacrificed for Canada,” Van Heyst told the students. “That’s what Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day are all about. We remember those who served long ago, like during both world wars and in other countries around the world. Today, millions of people wear a poppy over their heart to show respect. We also honour those who are serving today.”
Van Heyst encouraged students to think about courage, empathy and service in their own lives.
“When we say the words ‘Lest We Forget,’ we are making a special promise,” she said. “It’s our promise to remember them and to never forget what they sacrificed so that all of us can live in safety and freedom.”
Grade 3 students played a central role in the program, delivering readings, songs and short presentations in both English and French. They spoke about the significance of the poppy, explaining that the symbol represents remembrance and respect for those who served. Their participation reflected weeks of preparation in the classroom, where teachers guided discussions on peace, gratitude and the meaning of service.
The school community observed a moment of silence as the Last Post played and a slideshow featuring veterans and current serving members connected to ERWBB staff and students was shown, offering a personal reflection on service and sacrifice.
The service concluded with former music teacher Mr. Enns leading the school in a closing song emphasizing unity and caring for one another, followed by words of thanks to the special guests and the Grade 3 students who helped organize and host the service. The morning served as a reminder of the ongoing importance of remembrance and the role young people play in carrying those lessons forward.
