Postcards of Thanks for Vets

10 November 2020Tommy M, Privett ‘23

On Monday, November 2nd, every Brentwood student sat down during advisor period and wrote a letter of gratitude to our veterans. These letters were not addressed to specific individual veterans, but to all who served, so that we could express our thanks. They have been mailed to service members across Vancouver Island so they will know that we are aware of our debt to them. Thanks to Ms Julie Murray for initiating this project and all who participated.

In the postcards, we were asked to speak from our hearts and express our appreciation. These postcards mean much more to our school than meets the eye. We remember that during the six years of the Second World War, many Brentwood students willingly left their classrooms and placed themselves on the battlefield; some never returned to walk through the Brentwood gates ever again.

Brentwood’s admiration for these students is represented by the Honour Roll in the Killy Theatre. Poppies are heartfully placed on the Honour Roll plaque after the Remembrance Day Ceremony every November. The school’s commemoration of these heroes lies deep in the hearts of the community. The reverence the school holds is what makes these letters more than just a good deed. We are giving thanks to those who dedicated their lives so that we have the opportunity of being Brentonians today.

Students and teachers alike were very moved and inspired by the messages written. Every individual wrote words of gratitude and often poured their own families’ experiences into their letters.

Simon G, Privett ‘23 gave some insight on his point of view of the postcards: “I know that people who have been in the war go through insane amounts of stress and many don’t fully recover. I just wanted to appreciate those who have gone through what I have seen my own family go through.” Even those who don’t have family members who served felt the massive impact. Jensa NG, Mackenzie ‘23 said that “Letting the veterans know how much their service means to us” really impacted her.

These letters are sure to become a Brentwood tradition and will live in our rich history of honouring the brave men and women who gave their lives for this place we call home.

Tommy M, Privett ‘23

Where Students Choose To Be