By Natalia Balcerzak
Ryerson executives, students and community members gathered in the Kerr Hall Quad on Nov. 11 to honour Canada’s troops for Remembrance Day. It stands as a reminder that in order to lead Canada forward, we must not forget to take our past with us.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of “the war to end all wars.” Throughout those four years of war, soldiers gave their service to grant us our freedom – but their duty continued into the Second World War, the Vietnam War, the war in Afghanistan and into many other military missions.
Ryerson President Sheldon Levy stood at the podium, next to where the Canadian flag hung at half-mast.
He delivered his welcoming remarks as part of the Ryerson community gathered to honour the fallen.
Kathryn Rowan sung the Canadian national anthem in front of the crowd to open the ceremony.
Following her performance, I was honoured to read In Flanders Fields.
The laying of the wreaths was led by Mohamed Lachemi, the Provost, accompanied by Sana Raja, a fourth-year business student.
The Last Post was played on the trumpet by Rebecca Hennessy, followed by a moment of silence.
Hennessy then played Reveille, as military planes flew across the city.
Levy closed the ceremony with an invitation for guests to pin their poppies onto the wreaths.
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