Editor, The News:
On Thursday, Nov. 7, I had the privilege of participating in the Remembrance Day service at Maple Ridge secondary.
The main gym, where the service was held, was darkened with a few spotlights, which added to the serene atmosphere.
The school band and choir were dressed in black, as were the drama students, who performed a skit.
At the front of the gym, a large screen was erected and a continuous slide show played, illustrating all aspects of Remembrance Day, from the battlefields to the many veterans who fought.
There were two back-to-back services to accommodate the 1,200 students.
As each of the 600 students filed quietly into the bleachers, I had to admire their stellar behaviour.
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When I started to read Lt. Colonel John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields, you could have heard a pin drop.
The service itself was simple.
Having attended and participated in Remembrance Day Services for 52 years, I have never been more impacted by a memorial service than this one, especially the respectful demeanor of the students, and the contents of the service.
Some people are quick to criticize youth today, but I can’t help but have hope for the future because of the exemplary behaviour and attention shown by these students.
Daryl Stone,
retired RCMP
staff sergeant
Maple Ridge