French elementary school pays its respects

Students look on as school choir sings at Remembrance Day ceremony at L’Envol French elementary school. Photo by Kate Shumakova

By Kate Shumakova and William Proulx

TRENTON – Almost 200 children’s voices  honoured the memory of Remembrance Day at L’Envol French elementary school.

Joelle Lamarche, L’Envol’s French teacher, said that the school has been holding the ceremony for four years. This year was underlined with memorable dates such as the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War.

“We have to take the time to think and stop, especially after the events in Quebec and Ottawa.” she added.

Lamarche said that the school greeted around 30 military personnel – all of them parents of  L’Envol students.

“We would like to thank you for coming and choosing École L’Envol. We are very honoured to have so many soldiers today with us. It’s very special for our students (and) also special for us as teachers and the school personnel,” she said.

Parents currently serving in the military organized a mini-parade during the ceremony. Warrant Officer Dan Hébert commanded the parade.

At 11:11 a.m. Maryève Marceau, who teaches grades seven and eight and phys-ed, announced a moment of silence following the trumpet. All the children respectfully kept silent with serious expressions on their small faces.

The ceremony ended with children bringing handmade poppies to the front and placing them around a memorial poppy wreath.

“We are very proud of what happens here in Trenton. We thank you for coming today, ” Lamarche said in closing the ceremony.

Lest we forget.