By Robert Frank
www.thesuburban.com
After Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board decreed that no school could attend this year’s National Remembrance Day ceremony Ottawa, Laval Liberty High School (LLHS)—which hitherto had made an annual pilgrimage there—canceled its outing and made an alternative memorial plan.
The school convened student-led assemblies, Nov. 7, with special guest Canadian Army Sgt. Bradley Bruneau of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regiment (PPCLI).
“It was particularly meaningful for the kids,” LLHS official Daniel Johnson told The Suburban. “They spent a lot of time thinking about World War I, when was found and how far we have come—as well as how far we have not come.”
The assemblies also featured a World War II Canadian Army veteran, Laval resident Capt. Gary Gould.
“He was planning to attend, but had to have surgery, so the students went and talked to him about his experience,” Johnson explained. “They played the video of their interview during the assemblies. They also played his video during Remembrance Day assemblies at Mother Teresa and Laval Junior High School.”
He added that the school has invited Capt. Gould to return, once he’s recovered to spend time with the kids at a Christmas party.
In addition, some 30 LLHS students attended the Laval Remembrance Day ceremony, at the city hall cenotaph, Nov. 9.
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