A solemn assembly at Semiahmoo Secondary Thursday highlighted the importance of remembering those who have served — and still serve — in Canada's military, with a special guest of honour.
White Rock resident and veteran Percy Smith, who just turned 101 years old earlier this year, spoke at the assembly, which also highlighted women's contributions to war efforts over the years, and featured a piper, colour guard and cadets.
Students speaker Amanda Sissons, Derek Sun and Chiara Manhas took turns speaking throughout the event, while the Semiahmoo Senior Wind Ensemble played several pieces of music beautifully throughout.
"We are here today to show our respect, and to remember the sacrifice of soldiers, veterans, peacekeepers, those who served on the home front, and everyone impacted in times of war," Sissons said to the gathered crowd.
"(It's) also a day to also commemorate those who have had their loved ones stolen from them too soon. During times of war, millions of people are impacted by the loss of cherished children, sisters, brothers, parents, aunts and uncles."
Recognizing the resilience of people in war is important, she said.
"Including those that are often unmentioned when talking about warfare — such as women."
Sun continued, noting that during the First World War, women were largely encouraged to stay at home and "take care of the soldiers' families."
"In the Second World War, the role of women in Canadian society changed drastically. Canada needed women to help in the workforce and embrace new responsibilities," Sun said, adding some of the roles women took on included tailors, cleaners and cooks, as well as many who worked in hospitals, machine factories and munitions factories at home.
"Through the sweat and tears of the hard workers on our home front, those on the front line were able to continue fighting," Sun said.
After Manhas read the poem I Am With You by Hannah Carpenter, Sun introduced Smith.
Smith, who served in the British Merchant Navy during the Second World War, also focused on the contribution of women during wartime.
"Canadian women embraced their new roles and responsibilities and helped contribute to the victory campaign," he said to the gathered students and teachers.
"During the war, many women took a wide variety of civilian jobs that had once been filled by men. ... Canada had its own version of Rosie the Riveter, the symbolic working woman."
Smith also noted women became fighter pilots, resistance fighters and spies who "put themselves in the thick of danger" during the Second World War, proving their courage and heroism often.
Although equality was not as fast to come for women, as they lost most of their jobs when the men came home from war, Sissons noted about 50,000 women across the country joined the Canadian Women's Army Coprs when it was created in 1941. Now, there are about 21,000 members.
In conclusion, Smith reminded everyone of the importance of remembering and honouring those who served, and continue to serve, today.
