Commemorating Remembrance Day at KCI

Written by: Selma Toeller

What is Remembrance Day?

Every year on November 11th, the KCI community comes together to commemorate armed forces members who have passed away in the line of duty, along with civilians affected by conflict.

KCI History teacher Mr. Ashley explained how it is a time to reflect and focus on the sacrifices soldiers had to make to allow us to live in the country we know today and have the comforts we have: “I think that is something we should be eternally grateful for,” he stated.  

Why is Remembrance Day Important to KCI?

Remembrance Day is an especially important ceremony held here at KCI, because being a fairly old school, KCI has had former students who have been involved in the conflicts of World War I and World War II. Mr. Fogo, another history teacher, stated,“There’s a lot of history here, and that history is linked with the local community.”

For example, Jim Milner was a former student at KCI, and was a part of a tank infantry unit in World War II.  A letter written by him from the front lines to former KCI teacher Mr. Class was discovered by a family and traced back to KCI. His name can be found as “James Milner” on the World War II plaque in the front foyer.

When discussing the commemorative plaques within the school, Mr. Ashley noted, “It’s a traditional way to have our students stop and think,” and “a way to recognize what we get to enjoy here.”  Mr. Ashley also stated that it is a day to recognize the collaborative effort of people and the power in standing together.

What can the KCI Community do to Honour Those Who Have Passed in the Line of Duty and those Affected by War?

As a community, KCI staff and students can take the time to look at the stories of the people that went off to war and honor their sacrifices. Their stories can be found on sites such Waterloo Region Generations, and makinghistory.kpl.

Overall, Remembrance Day is a day of appreciation for peace, and a time to honour and commemorate all those affected by conflict and those who had to put their lives on hold for our comfort and safety.

Sources:

Canada, V. A. (2024, January 29). James Panet Milner - The Canadian Virtual War Memorial - Veterans Affairs Canada. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2059780