We Remember 1

21 December 2019Emily P, Mackenzie ‘22; Photo by Bonnie z, Mackenzie '21

Remembrance Day is an important event at Brentwood each year. A wide variety of musical performances and reflections from the Brentwood community are presented, resulting in a thought-provoking and solemn experience.

For this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony, Brentwood’s students and staff arrived in a Zoom livestream, beginning with Olivia S & Cate C, Mack ‘21, and Isaac L, Privett ‘21 playing the piano to set the mood for the solemn occasion as everyone got settled. Next, Mr Patel explained the significance of De Manu in Manum and Brentwood’s Roll of Honour, which was later read by student leaders Jack NG, Ellis ‘21, Sloane J, Allard ‘21, and Mahir A, Rogers ‘21. This was followed by the singing of O Canada, by Heather L, Mackenzie ‘23, accompanied by Julian W, Mackenzie ‘22 on the piano.

Although this year’s assembly looked different than years before due to new COVID protocols, it was just as impactful. In a thought-provoking speech, Ms Amiel emphasized the impact war has had on other countries and encouraged everyone to look at things from a new perspective. Afterwards, she introduced three students to the stage: Christopher S, Whittall ‘24, Youki I, Whittall ‘23, and Taiyo T, Whittall ‘23 told stories of their families which expressed how Japan was impacted by World War II.

Our guest speaker, Nichole René Ker, spoke about her experience in the military and the sacrifices soldiers make to protect others’ lives. “She served in the army for six years and she now works with different organizations like Outward Bound Canada, instructing youth leadership and at-risk youth courses, as well as acting as the lead instructor for the Veterans’ Program” shared Ms Murray when she introduced Ms Ker. In her speech, Ms Ker shared how many of her friends and fellow veterans felt about the sacrifices they made while serving. These reflections brought to light what soldiers went through in their deployment to Afghanistan. These soldiers related the physical and mental sacrifices they had made to protect our country and freedom.

With the ceremony nearing an end, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble sang “The Blessing” to a piano accompaniment by Ankit B, Privett ‘21. It was played as the students exited their advisor rooms.

While everyone began returning to their classes, it was obvious that there was a heaviness in the air. “The ceremony filled me with gratitude for the sacrifices others have made,” stated Ginny C, Mackenzie ‘22. At lunchtime we removed our poppies from our blazers and placed them on the drapery around the Roll of Honour, a tradition that shows our respect for those Brentonians who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Remembrance Day ceremony is a proud Brentwood tradition and despite this year’s covid-mitigation differences, it still allowed us to pay our respects and remember the importance of sacrifice and peace.

Lest we forget.

Emily P, Mackenzie ‘22

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