Little Owls remember…

By Brandie Majeau
“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow…”The soft voices of a group of student
representatives from each class at Ochre Park School in Redwater filled the gymnasium
with a palpable sense of reverence. They brought to life the profound reflections of
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, penned during the spring of 1915, evoking the beauty
and somberness of those iconic fields of red. Principal Jenaia Gingras gently urged the
little “Owls” in attendance to cherish the special role they played in honoring
Remembrance Day each year. She spoke passionately about the importance of
gathering on November 11, the significance of donning their poppies, and the
importance of hearing stories, gently reminding them of their future duty to cultivate
kindness in the world.
“Why do we have Remembrance Day? Why do we wear our poppies?” rang out
the voices of the grade 3/4T class, their innocence underscoring the principal’s gentle
prompts. The Ochre Park School Remembrance Day Ceremony was a sincere tribute
that centered on honouring the bravery of soldiers while exemplifying the essence of
peace. It was not an in-depth lesson on the tragedies and chaos of war, but rather a
sincere remembrance that resonated with the understanding appropriate for their young
hearts. Yet, even at this tender age, the significance of Remembrance Day often struck
a deeper chord, surpassing the fundamentals of what they were taught.
The little Owls shared Remembrance Day reflections and songs. They lay
wreaths alongside guests and dignitaries. They sat solemn in their minute of silence and
followed closely the Act of Remembrance and Commitment to Remember. As the
ceremony drew to a close, a poignant video unfolded, showcasing glimpses of wartime
struggles and its emotional impact, complemented by the haunting melody of “Soldiers
Cry.” While the visuals refrained from depicting the true violence of war, it was not
beyond the emotive reach of elementary students, they still drew tears from the eyes of
several teachers, guests, and students. This powerful response showing the profound
impact of remembrance and understanding that transcends traditional teaching. A young

boy whispered in the darkened gymnasium, “That would be scary,” as the video
gracefully faded to black.
Ochre Park’s Remembrance Day ceremony was a beautiful homage to the
soldiers who returned and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The words, “Rest in
Peace, your work here is done,”; lingered in the air long after the school visitors had

departed, a solemn echo of gratitude and reflection that would resonate within their
hearts as they carried on with their day.