Over 200 members of the Trent community gathered in the Great Hall, Champlain College to remember Canadian and Allied veterans who gave their lives in wars for the cause of peace and freedom. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the exact same time as marked the signing of the Armistice to end the Great War (WW1) – the community observed two minutes of silence.

The Bugler was John Kraus from Lakefield College School. Gord Ripley, Trent Library Services, was the Piper. After Reveille, an Honour Song was given by Brenda O’Toole and Heather Shpuniarsky from the Trent Unity Singers.

Officer-Cadet Ethan Mcdonald, Trent student and member of the Canadian Armed Forces, offered his poignant reflections on the meaning of Remembrance Day from his perspective as a nineteen-year-old soldier. Other Trent students were in attendance from each arm of the Canadian Armed Forces representing the services of sea, land and air.

Trent IMPACT students participated in the Service: Jennifer Freele, Ashley Windatt, Nicole Colucci and Jessica Vuong. Dr Michael Allcott and Dr David Newhouse also took part in the ceremony which was organized and conducted by the Reverend Glenn Empey, Coordinator, Trent Spiritual Affairs. Chris Glover, Trent Student Affairs, and Noranne Flower, Champlain College, provided additional support in organizing the Service.

The ceremony gave people the opportunity to remember those who gave their lives for their country, to support those now serving in the Armed Forces, and to pray for and to contemplate a world at peace.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.”
Ode of Remembrance
Laurence Binyon