9 ways you can honour Remembrance Day (Nov. 11)

Every day, Georgian remembers.

We remember our Canadian soldiers and members of the army, airforce navy and merchant marines. We acknowledge their bravery, courage and ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives for our freedom.

We remember our veterans and those who have returned home injured. We keep them close to our hearts.

We remember the people who currently serve Canada both here and overseas. We think often of them, their families and loved ones.

We remember our own personal and community losses – losses that, for many, remain deep. We choose never to forget.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety of our students and employees, the Georgian community is not gathering in person for Remembrance Day ceremonies this year. Collectively, we continue to be grateful and ever mindful of the service and contributions others have made – and continue to make – to Canada.

Ways you can help mark Remembrance Day

Message from our Canadian Armed Forces

A few of our students’ and employees’ loved ones

Message from Capt. S.X. Wang, Canadian Forces Base Borden

Message from our president

Georgian prof proud to serve his new country

Georgian Liberal Arts Professor Dr. Daniel Travers began with the cadet movement in both the UK and Canada when he was in his early teens. When he became a Canadian citizen in the late 90s, Daniel enlisted in the Canadian Forces Reserve and served between February 1999 and October 2001.

Two people in uniform training for combat
Daniel and comrade training at Land Force Central Area Training Centre, Meaford, 1999

He completed basic infantry training with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters, training at bases in Meaford, Borden, Petawawa, and even conducted urban warfare training in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He eventually transferred to the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment and finished his service there.

Daniel was never deployed overseas or saw active duty, but was proud to serve his new country. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfathers and great uncles who all served in the British Armed Forces. His paternal grandfather was a Staff Sergeant in Europe during the Second World War, and his maternal grandfather served on the carrier HMS Indefatigable in the Pacific. Daniel’s uncles all completed 18 months of national service following the war.

“I suppose there was a sense of wanting to follow in their footsteps and do my duty to my country,” says Daniel. “I’m immensely proud of my time in the army and of being part of the Canadian Forces, which have a history of working for global peace and justice.”

Two veterans in military attire at Remembrance Day ceremony pose together
Daniel as Sgt-at-Arms at 2018 Remembrance Day ceremony

After Daniel left the forces, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion and now serves as the Sgt-at-Arms for Branch 80 (Midland), organizing and leading commemorative events like Remembrance Day.

“We Canadians of all walks of life – young or old, native-born or new – have a duty to remember,” Daniel says. “In an increasingly polarizing world, it’s more important than ever to ensure we never forget the values our veterans fought and died for, and those men and women who served and continue to serve our country to preserve peace.”

In Flanders Fields

By Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
  That mark our place; and in the sky
  The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
  Loved and were loved, and now we lie
      In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
  The torch; be yours to hold it high.
  If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
      In Flanders fields.

Did you know?

Georgian has a Military Veterans’ Club. All ex-service members at Georgian are invited to connect with other veterans at the college. Learn more.

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