On Friday, November 11 members of the Durham College and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) joint campus community attended the college and university’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony, which recognized the thousands of individuals who fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom.

“Thousands of Canadian men and women surrender their lives each day to fight for freedom and democracy,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Today it’s important to recognize their sacrifice and honour their memory.”

Hosted by the Student Association (SA), the event began at 10:30 a.m. in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre. Lovisa and Dr. Richard Marceau, provost and vice-president, Academic, UOIT were joined by Anthony Boland, former president of the SA, who acted as the event’s master of ceremonies, in addition to more than 350 staff, students and faculty who came together to share their collective respect for Canada’s fallen heroes.

The ceremony honoured the more than 2,900 Canadian soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel that have been deployed to Afghanistan to continue the fight for freedom since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in addition to remembering those who fought in World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean War, the Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the raid at Dieppe, the Battle of the Atlantic and the Battle at Kapyong, among many others.

“As our fallen soldiers make their final trip home across our Highway of Heroes, our thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones and friends left behind,” added Lovisa.

The ceremony featured the Oshawa Civic Band performing O Canada, The Maple Leaf Forever and Eternal Father, Strong to Save. Lieutenant Barrie Hodgins played The Last Post prior to the traditional moment of silence and the Zeta Psi Fraternity recited the famous poem In Flanders Field. In addition, professor Rick Kerr preformed And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda and piper Steve Harrison played Amazing Grace alongside the Oshawa Civic Band.

“We were very happy with the event itself,” said Derek Fullerton, vice-president of Campus Life, SA. “We received some great feedback from both those involved and those in attendance. We are hoping to continue to build on this year’s success and hopefully make the ceremony bigger with each coming year.”