‘The respect that you have shown is commendable’

By Chad Feehan
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
November 17, 2023 Edition

The gymnasium at Queen Elizabeth Regional High School was filled with students, educators, and community members last week when it was host to a commemorative assembly for Remembrance Day.

In between a bookended entrance and departure of the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party, speeches, poems, and songs could be heard throughout the somber afternoon as people of all ages rotated through the podium.

In recognition of its 75th year, Assistant Principal and resident historian Jason Elliot spoke about Canada’s history of peacekeeping with the United Nations, detailing its long and storied history of navigating conflicts and flashpoints such as the Gulf War.

“As Canadians we need to continue this tradition of peace and continue to voice our intolerance of hate,” he said. “This starts with all of us. This starts with our communities, our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces.”

The school’s rock band performed “Highway of Heroes” by Canadian band The Trews, which was written in honor of Capt. Nichola Goddard, the first female Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan.

In her own speech, Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote remarked on the significance of a room full of young people taking part in such an assembly. The appearance was one of Foote’s last public obligations before finishing her term as the Queen’s representative to the province this week.

Foote reflected on the fact many of the soldiers in World War I and World War II were no older than many of the students in the school, and asked the students to carry the respect they showed that day onward into the weekend’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.

“The feeling I got here today was absolutely amazing,” she said to the student body. “The respect that you have shown is commendable.”