(Artwork created by Rylie Y at Sir John Thompson, Grade 7)

To you from failing hands we throw 
The torch; be yours to hold it high.  

~In Flanders Fields, John McCrae~ 

The poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ is well known by Canadians. Written by Canadian Lieutenant- Colonel physician John McCrae, it serves to give us a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our own soldiers in the name of freedom and peace around the world.  The verse I have shared is a call to action to generations.  It reminds us that we have been handed the torch from those who have given their lives, those who have served, and those who continue to serve; we are called to always fight for and uphold peace. 

As we mark Remembrance Day this year, I invite you to read this article by our own Dr. Tim Cusack, who also serves as Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve.  It further reminds us to ‘Make Remembrance Something You Do’.    

Peace Prayer of Saint Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
 where there is hatred, let me sow love;
 where there is injury, pardon;
 where there is doubt, faith;
 where there is despair, hope;
 where there is darkness, light;
 where there is sadness, joy.
 
 O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
 to be consoled as to console,
 to be understood as to understand,
 to be loved as to love.
 For it is in giving that we receive,
 it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
 and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

Amen. 

Robert Martin,
Chief Superintendent