Remembrance Day touches Alisha Angelovici-Gould the most when her dad is away.
Although she was grateful to have him in Canada this year, having a family member in the military will forever make her see Nov. 11 from a different perspective.
“It always really hits me,” said Angelovici-Gould, a GAS community studies student.
Her dad has served in the military for 25 years. He’s been in active combat in places like Bosnia, Afghanistan and Egypt. Now, he’s working in supply tech at the military base in Kingston.
“He called me this morning in tears,” said Angelovici-Gould. “He couldn’t put his boots on because he wears a brace. It’s one of those things that if you can’t put on the whole uniform you can’t go (to the ceremony).”
Angelovici-Gould and her fellow classmate, Emily Garshey, were among the many staff and students who attended Algonquin’s Remembrance Day ceremony in the Marketplace Food Court.
“I like seeing everyone come together,” said Garshey. “It is nice seeing so many students come and actually be quiet and be respectful.”
The ceremony started slightly after 10:45 a.m. Bagpipes led the procession, which began in the C-building and wound its way to the food court. The entire space was packed, with approximately 300 people in attendance.
The entire back wall of the food court was lined with Canadian Armed Forces, troops from the military geomatics program and the Mapping and Charting Establishment. Students from the police foundations, paramedics and pre-service firefighter programs also participated in the service.
“We are so lucky to have the Canadian Armed Forces actually here on campus,” said Christine Brennan, the college events manager. “It adds so much to the ceremony.”
Originally, WWII veteran Stan Wilson, was scheduled to attend. But Wilson’s doctor recommended that he watch from home instead. His son Jack Wilson, a police foundations professor, read In Flanders Fields in honour of his father.
Students’ Association president Sara Grainger led the proceedings, which were concluded by performing arts student Pierre Sirois singing O Canada.
Afterwards, students and staff alike gathered to reflect and lay their poppies before the Wall of Honour, which commemorates Canadian soldiers who died during the war in Afghanistan.