A big thumbs up should go out to local schools, students and staff for their Remembrance Day activities last week.

Remembrance Day services at schools are important for a variety of reasons. One, we need to pay tribute to those who fought for our country and to preserve our freedom. Two, it’s paramount that the youth of today are not only taught about the sacrifices that took place to make the country what it is today, but that they honour the memory of those who served.

South Huron District High School once again put on an excellent Remembrance Day service last Friday morning, which featured the attendance of members of the Exeter Legion.

It was the participation and behaviour of the students that was most impressive about the event. There was absolute silence during the service and the students showed respect as the list of school alumni and staff who have been lost at battle was read while students placed poppies on a large wreath at the front of the gym.

One of the more particularly emotional moments of the service was when teacher David MacLeod read the story of Flight Lieutenant Donald Hicks of Centralia, an Exeter High School graduate who was killed during a bombing raid on Dusseldorf on Nov. 3, 1943.

The school put on a fantastic Remembrance Day assembly.

Primary schools also held assemblies Friday morning. Usborne Central School, slated for closure at the end of this year, held its last Remembrance Day assembly which featured songs, poems and skits from students. Students and community members also placed wreaths at the cenotaph outside the school. Principal Ruth Lovell told those in attendance the Usborne cenotaph was one of the first in Southwestern Ontario and was moved to the school in 1967.

Again, the participation of the students was impressive and it’s heartwarming to see children learning about the significance of Remembrance Day at a young age.

Gestures such as these will ensure the men and women who fought for our freedom will never be forgotten.