Community vigils and school ceremonies pay tribute to Remembrance Day

Many communities are preparing to hold ceremonies for Remembrance Day. At 11 a.m. on Saturday people across the country will pause for a moment of silence to remember those killed in the first and second world wars as well as other conflicts and peace keeping missions.

A vigil is being held at the Burlington cenotaph on Friday where all three Burlington cadets are holding an overnight ceremony to commemorate Remembrance Day.

The cadet units involved include the 65 Iron Duke Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, the 2379 RHLI Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and the 715 Mohawk Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Guards are set to rotate in shifts throughout the night until the completion of the Burlington Legion service of remembrance, which is happening Saturday morning.

There were multiple events like this one happening across the region, and since Remembrance Day lands on a Saturday this year, many schools took Friday to teach students about the sacrifices armed forces members have made for Canada.

Students and faculty at Cathedral Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton remembered the lives of past students.

Seventy-four Cathedral students lost their lives fighting in the world wars.

READ MORE: Ontario consulting on how to better support job-seeking veterans, military spouses

The principal says it’s important to remind current students of the ultimate sacrifice that people have paid for freedom.

Meanwhile at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, students participated in a Remembrance Day ceremony, then took to the sidewalk holding poppies they made in class, for a moment of silence.

Veteran and award winning author Zig Misiak took part in the ceremony.

“To be standing outside and they’re just walking by, they’re nodding some are shy, and everything else too with the involvement. It was really really touching, I was really touched. Tears in my eyes a couple of times there,” said Misiak.

Misiak says it’s important now more than ever to educate the younger generations.

“We’re losing veterans at a rapid rate, right? And its important to know why we celebrate Remembrance Day. Clearly we haven’t done such a good job with the wars happening in the world right now, right?” said Misiak

“But to see the young kids here are involved and they seem to know what its all about, it’s heartwarming.”