École Stonewall Centennial School was transformed into a place of reflection and gratitude on Nov. 7 as students in Grades 5 through 8 gathered for two Remembrance Day services honouring those who have served Canada. The ceremonies, held separately for Grades 5 and 6 and Grades 7 and 8, brought together music, storytelling and personal testimony that resonated deeply across the school community.
Each service opened with O Canada, performed by the Grade 8 Band under the direction of Chelsey Novakowski. Students led the audience through remarks on the importance of remembrance and Canada’s role in global peacekeeping efforts. They also shared Erika’s Story—the true account of a Jewish infant thrown from a Holocaust transport train in 1944, rescued by strangers, and later raised to learn of her heritage and build a family of her own.
The school welcomed special guest Capt. Yves Pruneau, father of Grade 5 teacher Mme. Pruneau, who spoke about his four decades of service with the Canadian Armed Forces. Students listened closely as he described the meaning of military duty and the personal sacrifices made by those who serve.
“November 11th is Remembrance Day. We celebrate this day as it was the declaration of the end of the First World War — the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour,” Capt. Pruneau said.
Pruneau joined the military at age 22 after earning his commercial pilot certification in Quebec. Drawn to the Air Force for the opportunity to fly daily, he completed basic training in Chilliwack, B.C., an experience he described as both physically demanding and mentally testing.
“We were up at five in the morning every day, followed by 45 continuous minutes of physical training,” he said. “Your room was inspected at seven, everything needed to be properly put away and neat. For the rest of the day, you had classes such as first aid, how to create an ambush, how to tie knots, how to build a bridge. After a full day of learning, we were studying until midnight. The goal is for your mind to stay sharp.”
He later moved to Winnipeg in 1988 to become a navigator — the crew member responsible for planning and directing flying missions. Over the course of 40 years, he logged more than 5,000 flying hours and served in locations across Canada and the United States. Twenty years into his career, he returned to Winnipeg as a navigation instructor to train the next generation of Air Force personnel.
Pruneau now serves with Winnipeg’s 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron as Duty Operations Officer. He emphasized that the role of the Canadian Armed Forces extends far beyond combat.
“Some may think joining the military means going to war, and it is possible,” he said. “However, we don’t join the military to go to war. We join the military to defend our country. Defending your country means helping where you are needed.”
He noted that military members support communities during floods, wildfires and emergency evacuations, transporting supplies and assisting with rescue efforts.
“On this day and every day, we want to remember the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives so that we can live free,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to say thank you. Thank them for being brave and strong. Thank them for making the world a better place for all of us.”
The Grade 7 and 8 Choral classes, conducted by Ms. Moldowan, performed We Remember, followed by the symbolic pinning of poppies on a cross. The Last Post was performed by Novakowski, and the Grade 8 Band closed the service with God Save the King.
