2024 Remembrance Day Ceremony

It was standing room only in the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium November 8 as Vic High students and staff honoured those who serve in a moving student-led ceremony. They’d filed past two Remembrance Day displays to fill the Auditorium, a colourful poppy-framed display created by Leadership students, and a collection of items from the Vic High Archives and Museum created by Archives Club members, Grade 11 students Sereia Felipe-Alves and Sam Lilas, and Alumni volunteer Linda Baker.

 

It was wonderful to see the Auditorium filled with students and staff.

 

 

Student cadets walk up the new access ramp to the Vic High stage to place and salute the commemorative wreath. Warrant Officer Max Rysiew leads Warrant Officer Sam Lilas and Sergeant Cody Huntley up the ramp.

 

 

 

Thoughtful speeches were given by Indigenous student, Sergeant Cody Huntley of the 2483 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, and Warrant Officer Sam Lilas of the 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment Army Cadet Corps based at Victoria’s Bay Street Armoury, and by Vic High Principal Aaron Parker.

Warrant Officer Lilas, 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment

Good morning Vic high students and staff. I’m Warrant Officer Lilas in uniform, but most of you know me as Samuella Lilas. As the CSM  I’m here representing 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment, Princess Mary Army Cadet Corps. I acknowledge the Lekwungen-speaking  people of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, on whose traditional lands we gather, with respect and gratitude.

Today, we gather to remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us—the men and women who gave everything for their country. Remembrance Day is our chance to honor the courage and selflessness of those who defended the freedoms we cherish and the peace we enjoy. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns of the First World War fell silent, marking the end of a devastating conflict. This war was meant to be the one to end all wars, but, unfortunately, that didn’t happen. In the years since, other conflicts have called for more bravery, resilience, and sacrifice.

Today, we honor not just those who fell in the two World Wars, but all who served in every conflict—whether on distant battlefields or in peacekeeping missions around the world. These brave souls stood strong in the face of unimaginable challenges. But Remembrance Day isn’t only about the past. It’s a time to reflect on our present and the responsibility we share to uphold the values of peace, freedom, and justice. The legacy of those who served calls us to build a better world—one where conflict is not the answer.

For those of us who wear the uniform— whether as cadets or service members—we carry a legacy of pride and respect. Many Victoria High graduates before us wore this same uniform in times of war. Though our challenges are different, the spirit of service remains. To the veterans here with us, we offer our deepest thanks. Your bravery and dedication inspire us. To the families of the fallen, we honor your loss and promise to remember their sacrifice.

As we stand in silence today, let’s remember not only the past but the future we must protect. Let’s commit to peace, knowing that freedom has a high price—and we must never take it for granted. So, today, we say thank you to all who served and continue to serve. We honor them with our words, actions, and our commitment to a more peaceful world.

Lest we forget.

Sergeant Cody Huntley, 2483 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry

Today I am here to pay tribute to the contributions of the Indigenous soldiers in the two World Wars. Though the actual number of Indigenous soldiers in the two wars is unknown, it is now estimated that there were more than 12,000 soldiers, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit men and women. Even though it was not mandatory for Indigenous to enlist in the war efforts, they volunteered their services in incredible numbers. Many reserves were emptied of nearly all their young men. At this time in Canadian history, Indigenous people were not even recognized as Canadian citizens. They did not have the right to vote, their children were forced to attend residential schools, and the practising of Indigenous culture and traditions was illegal. First Nations recruits were often required to become enfranchised or to give up their Indian status, in order to be considered a citizen and thus able to enlist in the wars. This meant a loss of both cultural identity and Indigenous rights.

Why then did so many Indigenous soldiers volunteer to fight in the World Wars? Most of these soldiers fought due to a deep sense of pride and in support of the values of freedom and peace and community. Some of the soldiers were also following in the footsteps of family members who had fought. Indigenous soldiers participated in every major battle, including the Dieppe landings and the Normandy invasion. During the wars, Indigenous soldiers were treated as equals, and several rose to some of the highest ranking military positions. Indigenous soldiers often drew up on their traditional hunting and military skills, making them valuable as snipers and reconnaissance scouts. The Cree soldiers used their traditional languages to serve as “code talkers”, sending out military messages in Cree to the European battlefields. Medals of Valour were awarded to hundreds of Indigenous soldiers.

It wasn’t until November 8, 1992, that our Aboriginal veterans were allowed to place a wreath at the National Monument in Ottawa. But a small group of veterans from BC and Manitoba set things right. They fought to be recognized for their sacrifice, commitment and service to this country and the U.S. This day is set aside to honour the contributions of our First Nations, Metis and Inuit veterans, serving members, and RCMP officers. Today is National Aboriginal Veterans Day.

Sailor  First Class David Eaglestick, who works at the Dockyard in Victoria, BC, is from my community of Sagkeeng First Nation. He went through the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program and then he decided to join the navy after he finished this three week program. It’s been a great choice for him but not without difficulties. It’s tough being away far from family and friends. The homesickness becomes apparent but he’s worked through these difficulties. And 17 years later he continues to service for this country. Today and on November 8 and November 11, if you have a chance, don’t be shy and go shake a veteran’s hand and thank them for their service. These are our warriors.

It is estimated that at least 500 Indigenous soldiers lost their lives while serving in the two World Wars. We must acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by Indigenous men and women in the war efforts. They displayed immense intelligence, courage and honour. We should all be proud of the thousands of Indigenous soldiers who volunteered their lives to uphold the values of this country.

Emilia Clarke, VHS 2025, played a perfect performance of The Last Post, and not a sound was heard during the Two Minutes of Silence.  Eman Alkahwaji was a co-MC for the ceremony.

 

 

Sam’s friends gather after the ceremony to congratulate her on her heartfelt speech.