Brock remembers tragedy and courage
Alison Potstra
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: News
A Remembrance Day gathering held on Nov. 11 drew a large group of Brock students, faculty, staff and community members, braving the cold to remember those who have displayed even grander acts of bravery.
The haunting heartbeat rhythm of Aboriginal drumming echoed through the Walker Courtyard at the beginning and conclusion of the gathering in an event to honour those who had died in war and to reflect on peace.
"People are to be honoured," said David Galston, the ecumenical chaplain at Brock University in a reflection. "War, rather, is to be remembered so that if at possible it is not repeated."
A moment of silence was followed by the singing of "Oh Canada" and readings from Jewish, Christian and Islamic scripture which all touched on a message of peace.
Brock University President Jack Lightstone took a moment to reflect on peace which echoed his speech at the Oct. 13 Brock Commemoration Day ceremony.
"[We're] not here to glorify war - it's a terrible business," said Lightstone. "War ought to be the last alternative.
"Today, we honour courage, bravery […] and the world they bequeathed to us. May it be a world of peace."
Soon after Lightsone's comments, BUSU President Jody Thomas and Vice President of Student Services Mark Wrzosek took the podium to read a short poem.
"[Today] we think of freedom won and lives lost," said Thomas.
"We remember," said Wrzosek.
Galston reflected on the first time he was confronted with war, recalling his great uncle who had served in the second World War.
"I asked him why there was a war in the first place," said Galston.
"I don't remember his response exactly, but I do remember him impressing upon me that war was no good thing."
"When we think about war, no matter what our age, it is hard to avoid that basic childhood question: why? Why should there be war in the first place?"
A moving recitation of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields" was read, followed by the ceremonial placing of wreaths.
Lightstone, Thomas and representatives from Student Services, Graduate Studies, Scotia Bank, Campus Security and the Royal Canadian Legion each took a turn placing a wreath dotted with poppies and lined with palm branches in a semi-circle at one end of the Walker Courtyard.
Some representatives stood silently in remembrance after the placing of the wreaths while others saluted the symbolic display.
Galston closed the ceremony with a message of good tidings.
"We go forward in remembrance," he said. "Our thankfulness arises in acts of compassion and loving kindness. Our gratitude is expressed with care for justice and equality. Our hope is renewed when their remembrance is translated in our lives as peace."
More Aboriginal drumming wrapped up the small ceremony and commemorators stood still for a brief, solemn moment and then returned inside to escape the cold.
The haunting heartbeat rhythm of Aboriginal drumming echoed through the Walker Courtyard at the beginning and conclusion of the gathering in an event to honour those who had died in war and to reflect on peace.
"People are to be honoured," said David Galston, the ecumenical chaplain at Brock University in a reflection. "War, rather, is to be remembered so that if at possible it is not repeated."
A moment of silence was followed by the singing of "Oh Canada" and readings from Jewish, Christian and Islamic scripture which all touched on a message of peace.
Brock University President Jack Lightstone took a moment to reflect on peace which echoed his speech at the Oct. 13 Brock Commemoration Day ceremony.
"[We're] not here to glorify war - it's a terrible business," said Lightstone. "War ought to be the last alternative.
"Today, we honour courage, bravery […] and the world they bequeathed to us. May it be a world of peace."
Soon after Lightsone's comments, BUSU President Jody Thomas and Vice President of Student Services Mark Wrzosek took the podium to read a short poem.
"[Today] we think of freedom won and lives lost," said Thomas.
"We remember," said Wrzosek.
Galston reflected on the first time he was confronted with war, recalling his great uncle who had served in the second World War.
"I asked him why there was a war in the first place," said Galston.
"I don't remember his response exactly, but I do remember him impressing upon me that war was no good thing."
"When we think about war, no matter what our age, it is hard to avoid that basic childhood question: why? Why should there be war in the first place?"
A moving recitation of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields" was read, followed by the ceremonial placing of wreaths.
Lightstone, Thomas and representatives from Student Services, Graduate Studies, Scotia Bank, Campus Security and the Royal Canadian Legion each took a turn placing a wreath dotted with poppies and lined with palm branches in a semi-circle at one end of the Walker Courtyard.
Some representatives stood silently in remembrance after the placing of the wreaths while others saluted the symbolic display.
Galston closed the ceremony with a message of good tidings.
"We go forward in remembrance," he said. "Our thankfulness arises in acts of compassion and loving kindness. Our gratitude is expressed with care for justice and equality. Our hope is renewed when their remembrance is translated in our lives as peace."
More Aboriginal drumming wrapped up the small ceremony and commemorators stood still for a brief, solemn moment and then returned inside to escape the cold.
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