We Remember

29 November 2012Mollie G, Mackenzie '13

For Social Studies teacher, Assistant Hope Houseparent, and rowing coach Ms. Robyn Willow, war happened at the dining room table.     

At school assemblies, Brentwood students are generally flawless in behavior with only the occasional hint of an untucked shirt or a slight whisper to a neighbor.

Hey, nobody is perfect.

Not a crease in a blazer nor even the blink of an eye was displayed, however, as eager ears were mesmerized by the softly spoken words of Ms. Willow as she reflected on how war impacted her family.

“For me, the histories that surround Remembrance Day have very personal narratives” she said. “Eating dinner with my family means that history comes alive.”

As she shared the stories of her maternal grandfather escaping through Poland, her paternal grandfather flying Lancaster bombers, and her own father’s experiences serving overseas in Canada’s Armed Forces in times of conflict, Ms. Willow presented a sense of awe for the fighting men and women in her life.

“Growing up as an army brat means three things: One: I feel an immense sense of pride in my family. Two: I lived a unique life on the military bases, and Three: I was taught some pretty invaluable lessons and values.”

Toby D, speaking on ‘Why We Remember’ started his speech with a quote from Josef Stalin: “One death is a tragedy; one million is a statistic.”

So, why do we remember? Why do we gather together to talk about events that happened in the last millennium? Sometimes it doesn’t seem tangible and as Toby observed “Often we can be caught up in the statistics of history, losing the importance of the personal message.”

“November 11th is a day where we remember the effects war. We remember those who sacrificed their lives for the greater good, as well as those who were affected by war. I hope that in respect to all of these men and women we will remember.”

We remember because we recognize the men and women who fought for our freedom at the expense of their own. We remember so we can be free.

From the beautiful presentation of the national anthem, to the harmonizing sounds of the choir, to speeches that brimmed with emotion and pride, the Brentwood Remembrance Day ceremony was dignified and thought provoking.

We Remember.

Mollie G, Mackenzie ‘13