This past week I did a "rap" session at NEWLO with the Electrical students. This is a period of time where the students discuss what they want or have a guided discussion. With Remembrance Day coming up I chose to discuss what that day means.
Only two students knew much about World War II and no one knew anything about World War I. Now let me first say, Grenada is a very peaceful country and has (as you will in the video) a minimal military. So their sacrifices during the Great Wars are very different than what Canadians experienced. Next many of these students left traditional schooling very early and would not have been exposed to world history.
However it is not just the youth who don't know, we tried for weeks to find out what day the service was. No one knew if it was on the Sunday, or the 11th. Even when we arrived for the service the officers at the gates didn't give us the time it started! There might have been 50 "regular people" at the service and 10 were Canadians and Americans. Not exactly an overwhelming turnout. But when there is no information about where or when, it is amazing that many of us showed up!
The Canadian Flag tucked behind the British
This troubles me deeply as the war is largely forgotten here and the act of remembering is not a huge priority. I was also frustrated because some of their veterans served in the Canadian Air Force (Jullian Marryshow) and there was a flag bearer for our flag, but no representative or wreath to honour Grenadians.
As governments struggle with the radicalization of marginalized people, these acts of remembrance, help create our collective consciousness and is an important part of including people who may feel on the fringes of society.
We do an amazing job in Canada of keeping Remembrance Day meaningful, and when I read "In Flanders Fields" the class was absolutely still - so I know it resonates with them.
Right now the Canadian Legions sends poppies to be sold here. I loved that those who did have poppies were wearing Canadian poppies. Maybe in the future those of my friends who are Legion members can advocate sending more than poppies but sending knowledge and instructional materials, so that the youth here can learn what our youth learn....
That is through the act of remembering that we both acknowledge sacrifice but also commit ourselves to fighting for a better world.
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