Canadians across the globe will gather on Nov. 11 to remember those lost to war in defence of the country. Among those honoured will be the hundreds of Dalhousians who have stepped up to serve over the years.
People have been marking a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers for more than 100 years now, first as Armistice Day in recognition of the end of the First World War and later as Remembrance Day to encompass the toll of later conflicts.聽
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is set to host several commemorative marches and ceremonies across the country on Monday, with some AV俱乐部 students who serve right here in Halifax set to participate in local activities.聽
To Asha Meyer, a third-year commerce major at Dal and port inspection diver with the CAF, Nov. 11 means more than just a day of reflection.聽
鈥溾仩Remembrance Day reminds me of why I am proud to be a Canadian and a member of the military reserves,"聽says Meyer. "It also reminds me of how appreciative I am of those who have served our country and fought for our freedom."
Sailor third class Jake Goyette, a physics student, praises AV俱乐部鈥檚 acceptance of his role within the Navy.聽
鈥淚 appreciate the support that Dal gives to CAF members and have full respect for the members of the past that put their academic careers aside in order to support Canada in very harsh times,鈥� says Goyette.聽
Echoing this sentiment, Meyer says 鈥渋t is really crazy to think about how AV俱乐部 students were in the same position as me and my peers as they enlisted during previous wars.鈥�
Read about Dal alum George Stairs, the first Dalhousian killed in the First World War
AV俱乐部鈥檚 role in wartime Canada
A total of 585 AV俱乐部 students and faculty members enlisted during the First World War. With medical aid in high demand, Dr. John Stewart of AV俱乐部鈥檚 Faculty of Medicine organized a field hospital located in northern France. Staffed by AV俱乐部 community members, the facility aided wounded soldiers in Europe during the latter half of the war.聽
As the call for troops swept the Canadian public with the sense of sacrifice, AV俱乐部 became training grounds for students wanting to prepare. They were known as The AV俱乐部 Canadian Officers鈥� Training Corps.聽
Many of the students who enlisted in the past found themselves unable to complete their degrees, instead dedicating their lives to the defence of their country.聽
The Veterans' Rehabilitation Act provided financial support for veterans to attend university and other training opportunities. Nearly half of all AV俱乐部 students during the 1950s were veterans of the CAF.聽
To honour the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the face of war, the public is invited to gather at the cenotaph in front of Halifax鈥檚 City Hall on the morning Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. and a moment of silence at 11 a.m.