Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day

26 November 2025Liza D, Mackenzie ‘26

Remembrance Day at Brentwood is when the community comes together to mourn, honour, and fight for peace. Remembrance Day this year was on November 11, which occurred during the midterm break, so an assembly was held on November 5 with various speeches, stories, and songs to commemorate the men and women, some of them Brentwood alumni, who served, and continue to serve our country during times of war. “Brentwood does an amazing job and sets a serious tone for such a serious occasion,” Nev K Mackenzie ‘26 stated.

As students walked in, silently and respectfully, Nana L, Hope ‘26 and Nita Q, Mackenzie ‘26 serenaded the Killy Theatre with beautiful piano playing. After a land acknowledgment, Head of School, Mr Garth Chalmers, stepped up to the podium to discuss the tragedy of war. He touched on learning from history and not repeating the bloodshed and atrocities that occur during war and genocide. He also reminded us all about the importance of the red poppy we were all wearing on our left lapel. Poppies were some of the first flowers to bloom on war fronts of disturbed earth. They symbolize the lives of those we lost during the war. As John McRae put it, “Their sacrifice was the ultimate act of love for their country. May we always remember them.”

The event was followed by a story from Mr Mark Wismer, Socials teacher and Ellis Houseparent, about his family’s personal connection to how war can separate loved ones. The liberation of the Netherlands by brave Canadian soldiers changed the lives of many people, including the grandfather and father of Mr Wismer. To hear about how war can impact people and their families all around you puts the tragedies into perspective. Mr Scott Doehler, Metamorphosis 9 teacher, then sang “The Green Fields of France,” which Ms Hilary Britton-Foster, head of Theatre Production, said “sounded beautiful, from the lyrics to the music to his voice.”

The Killy Theatre was filled with pride as the audience was asked to stand and sing “O Canada,” led by Mr Rick Rodrigues, University Counsellor and Privett Houseparent. As we sang in both English and French, we understood the deep history of Canada. Then Kerrington G, Jaxen L, Alisha P, and Kartik M read out the names of Brentwood Alumni who fought and sacrificed their lives for Canada. It was inspiring and shocking to see just how many young people lost their lives during this time. The Killy was silent for two minutes to stop and think about all the loss. The ceremony closed with songs performed by the celebrated Brentwood R&B band and Mr Michael Keddy. As students headed off to class, mournful and meditative, they placed their red poppies on the board with each Brentwood soldier’s name engraved on it.

An appreciation goes out to Ms Hilary Britton-Foster and her crew for running the ceremony smoothly and successfully, all the staff and student speakers for bringing light and importance to this event, and the musicians for setting the solemn tone. The Remembrance Day Assembly made us all more knowledgeable, grateful, and aware. “This event made me think about all the sacrifices made for this country,” said Kartik M, Privett ‘26.

Lest we forget all who sacrificed for Canada.

Liza D, Mackenzie ‘26

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