Members of the Carleton University community gathered on Library Road to pause and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans at Tuesday’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
Duane McNair, the university’s vice-president of people, finance and operations, opened the ceremony, followed by the national anthem performed by Deanna Singh, assistant to the director of the university’s choir.
The “Last Post” rang out before a moment of silence, which ended with the powerful sound of bagpipes. Speeches and a reading of John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” took place at the end of the ceremony.
“Founded in 1942, at the height of the Second World War under the name Carleton College, this school educated veterans returning home from war,” McNair said in his speech to the crowd.
“Carleton’s connection to Canada’s military remains strong today.”
“We remember those who died, those who were injured and those who came home forever changed by the trauma of war,” said Suzanne Blanchard, vice-president of students and enrolment.
Blanchard spoke on behalf of President Wisdom Tettey, who McNair said was unable to attend the ceremony.
Wreaths of remembrance were laid by Carleton’s executive, faculty and staff, along with representatives of the undergraduate, graduate and Indigenous student communities.
Carleton University Students’ Association President Sean Joe-Ezigbo laid the wreath representing undergraduate students.
After the ceremony, attendees laid poppies on the wreaths.
“As members of the Carleton community, let us never forget the spirit of service from which this institution was born,” Blanchard said.
“Let us never forget the courageous individuals who ensured that we could continue to stand here today, proud and free.”
Featured image by Michael McBean/the Charlatan
