Donna and Dave Hale of Thorold Legion Branch 17 lay a wreath during Brock University’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, honouring the sacrifices of those who served in times of war, conflict and peace.Standing in a moment of quiet reflection, the Brock University community gathered to honour Canadians who served and sacrificed in times of war and conflict around the world.
Students, faculty and staff came together in the Rankin Family Pavilion on Wednesday, Nov. 11 to observe Remembrance Day with a ceremony. It was the second of two significant days of observance this month, preceded by Indigenous Veterans Day on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg delivers remarks at the University’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre hosted beaded poppy-making workshops at Brock’s St. Catharines and Burlington campuses, providing participants the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.
Speaking at Wednesday’s ceremony — 108 years after the Armistice that ended the First World War and 81 years after the end of the Second — Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg said history has shown that peace is fragile.
“Around the world today, the devastating impacts of war and violence continue to be felt. And so, the importance of remembrance endures,” she said.
The ceremony was an opportunity to not only reflect on the past but also to consider responsibilities that exist in the present, Rigg said.
Brock Jazz Ensemble member Olivia Munoz performed The Last Post on trumpet before two minutes of silence was observed during the University’s Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
“As we gather here this morning, let us honour the legacy of those who served by demonstrating that same spirit of service in our own lives,” she said. “Let us remain committed to the ideals for which they sacrificed so much.”
Vice-President, External Alexandra Lawson delivered opening remarks at the ceremony, which was followed by the singing of O Canada led by Brock alumna Joslyn Dunlop (BMus ’25). The ceremony included a performance of The Last Post and The Rouse by Brock Jazz Ensemble member Olivia Munoz, as well as a reading of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields.
The ceremony also brought together representatives from Brock’s administration, Board of Trustees, Senate, Brock University Students’ Union, Graduate Students’ Association and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17, who participated in a wreath-laying ceremony.
