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Algonquin Pauses On November 11th to Remember

Lest We ForgetAt cenotaphs, schools and public institutions, Canadians will pause to remember on November 11th. They will remember the more than 113,000 Canadian soldiers who were killed during the two World Wars, the close to 1,000 more who died in the Korean War, the 158 service men and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan, and the dozens of troops who have been killed while serving on various peacekeeping missions around the world.

At Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke there is a special relationship with the Canadian military. The close proximity of Garrison Petawawa to the campus, results in hundreds of students who have direct military connections, studying at the campus each year. Some of these students are currently serving in the military as regular force or reservists, others are spouses of soldiers, and some are sons and daughters of service men and women.

Each year, the campus holds a Remembrance Day service in its Commons area. It’s an opportunity for students and staff to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is always a meaningful and emotional service as the college community rallies around those who have been impacted by military life, particularly those who have lost loved ones in conflicts around the world.

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On November 11th, Algonquin College joins Canadians from coast to coast in a visible show of support for the men and women who wear a military Ron Kinsleyuniform. Our country’s history with war can never be forgotten.

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the armistice was signed ending the First World War. Regrettably, war erupted again in 1939 and it took six years and millions of lives lost to end World War Two. In the 1950’s, the Korean War cost more Canadian lives and in recent years our troops, including many from Garrison Petawawa, were on the front line in Afghanistan.

On November 11th, Algonquin College remembers. Lest we forget.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Algonquin Remembers Them

More than 113,000 Canadian soldiers were killed during the first two World Wars and close to 1,000 more have died in the Korean War, peacekeeping missions and the most recent conflict in Afghanistan. On November 11th, ceremonies will be held across the nation as Canada pauses to remember its war dead.

Lest We Forget

Algonquin College has always had a close working relationship with the Canadian military, as the Pembroke Campus each year has many students that are directly connected to Garrison Petawawa. This includes current members of the military, retired service men and women that are transitioning to a civilian career, military spouses and dependents. The College also has several staff that are members of military families.

Ron Kinsley

In recent years, the local military community has suffered some great losses. Many of the 157 Canadians that were killed in Afghanistan were based in Petawawa. Others that served in the war torn region were badly injured or left mentally scarred by their experience overseas.

Each year the College holds its own Remembrance Day service in a moving tribute to the men and women that have served their country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Wreaths are laid by college staff and students in remembrance of soldiers, and a World War ll and Korean veteran lights a candle, a symbol of the eternal flame that glows 365 days a year at cenotaphs across the country. At the end of the service, students and staff shake the hand of the veteran, a small gesture of appreciation to an aging man who remembers the horror of war and stands as a reminder that we must never forget.

On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus will go silent. On Remembrance Day, pause to remember them.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager, Community and Student Affairs