On November 10, North Toronto held a very meaningful and moving Remembrance Day service. The assembly began with a video featuring Terry Kelly’s “A Pittance of Time,” a song  that revolves around the two minutes of silence we hold for war veterans on November 11. This was followed by an entry parade of NTCI veterans and the NT Cadet Flag Party.

Principal William Mack opened the assembly with some brief remarks, and from that point on the NT students took charge. Four students told stories of former NT war veterans who had served. This helped to personalize mere names on a list. This was followed by student-made legacy slide show that once again told stories and humanized the lives of former NT students who fought for our country.

Lt. Col. Michael Clarry (NT ’81/’82) addressed the student body with a motivational talk, basing part of it on  John McCrae’s lines “To you, from failing hands we throw / The torch: be yours to hold it high.” The assembly continued with the presentation of a video outlining Canadian involvement in peacekeeping.

The final part of the morning involved some memorable artistic performances by NT students: the poem “Dulce et Decorum Est,” the song “Mother’s Pride,” and a beautiful choral rendition of “Un Canadien Errant.” After the “Last Post” was played, followed by a minute of silence and “Reveille,” the students all joined together to sing our national anthem with fervour.

The NTCI Foundation is honoured to fund this event every year and was gratified to receive warm thanks for this from John Taylor, staff advisor. The assembly was truly a special day in the life of our student body and highlighted the respect and high regard our students still have for those who went before them.