Lest We Forget - Honoring Canada’s veterans at UTSC

Remembrance Day, a yearly memorial that takes place on Nov. 11, consisting of Canadians from all over the country honoring and reflecting on the sacrifices of our veterans

As inhabitants of Canada and its environs, it is considered a duty to acknowledge and honor the veterans who served during wartime and lost their lives in service. Remembrance Day, a yearly memorial that takes place on Nov. 11 and consists of Canadians from all over the country honoring and reflecting on the sacrifices of the 118,000 veterans who gave their lives to protect their country. This day marks the anniversary of the Armistice Agreement of 1918 that brought an end to the First World War. The 2024 official ceremony was held at Canada’s National War Memorial, which hosted military personnel, retired soldiers, and citizens who gathered to honor the courage of the Canadian military during their fight for peace. 

Remembrance Day also took place at various sites across Canada. The University of Toronto Scarborough’s  (UTSC) campus was no exception as students, staff, and faculty members gathered to honor our past heroes. The school held a memorial service at the Meeting Place, Science Wing on Nov. 11, 2024.  “The University of Toronto’s principal Prof. Linda Johnston, UTSC’s vice-president Prof. Karin Ruhlandt, and the vice-principal dean and academic made appearances at the memorial service,” reported the University of Toronto news. It also consisted of performances by the concert choir, concert band, and string orchestra. 

Remembrance Day at UTSC. Photo via UTSC official Instagram page.

Wearing a poppy pin close to the heart is a visible symbol of remembrance for veterans who served their country. During the weeks and days leading to Nov. 11, 2024. Canadians wear these pins to signify their participation in the process of honor and acknowledgment. This was no different at the University of Toronto, Scarborough, as students wore the red poppy pins to class and around campus environments. 

The Lapel Poppy, as it is officially called, can be worn during the Poppy campaign which begins on the last Friday in October and lasts till Nov. 11.  The poppy campaign is geared towards raising financial aid for veterans in distress and providing medical assistance amongst other reasons. The importance of poppy pins during the ceremonies is evident, as UTSC’s Office of the Vice-President and Principal strongly encouraged people to wear their poppies to the event. 

Wreath and poppy stands at UTSC’s Remembrance Day memorial. Photo via UTSC Instagram page.

The process of commemorating the sacrifices of past veterans allows us to reflect on the ways that we are striving to maintain peace and justice in our various lives. Aysha Hackett, a Fourth-year UTSC student who is double-majoring in Psychology and Music explains that participating in the memorial ceremony sparked a time of reflection on the contributions of former military personnel in fighting for the protection and safety of Canada. Performing several times with the concert band at UTSC’s memorial ceremony, she has always played Canada’s National Anthem, O Canada, and The Last Post on the trumpet. 

The importance of participating in ceremonies and events that honor past veterans is not only important in understanding history but also helps us locate where we currently are as a country and foster accountability on contemporary global problems. 

“Acknowledging historical events is crucial, if not, we are setting ourselves up again for another cycle of grief and pain because of the ongoing wars around us,” said Hackett.

Crisis situations in Haiti caused by gang violence, and the ongoing conflict in Iraq and Syria amongst others, will continue to be historical events. We must dedicate ourselves to building a future where peace and justice are the order of the day. To do this, we must first acknowledge the struggle Canada’s military personnel encountered during WWI, WWII, and other wars.

As an immigrant who grew up in Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence, I admit that I displayed reluctance in learning about Canada’s historical events because I was satisfied with the knowledge of my country’s history.

However, the sight of students and Canadians wearing poppy pins on days leading to Nov. 11, 2024 inspired curiosity to know the significance of these pins. I can say that my part in commemorating the sacrifices of veterans who served and died during wartime has been fulfilled by seeking knowledge on its importance and spreading its awareness in my own little way.