As the reading week approaches and the semester enters its final full month of classes, students begin focusing on the task of preparing for the upcoming exam season. The workload is heavy and demands our constant attention. The beginning of the month also brings about a ubiquity of the poppy, worn close to Canadian hearts who offer their remembrance on November 11th. Remembrance day marks a time during which the country extends its eternal gratitude for those individuals in military service. The day falls on the Monday of Brandon University’s reading week; accordingly, remembering to remember on the 11th is especially important during a time when papers, exams, and projects command our focus.

Brandonites can attend a service in Westoba Place arena at the Keystone Centre on the 11th. Doors open at 9:30 AM and the ceremony begins with O’Canada at 10:40 AM. Following a moment of silence at 11:00 AM, the ceremony ends at 12:00 PM. Attending the ceremony is much more than mere attendance; one’s presence at the service is a symbolic gesture of thankfulness, support, and respect for those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in Canada’s military. More information on the event can be found on the Keystone Centre’s website’s Upcoming Events page.

If attending a ceremony does not conform to one’s schedule, pausing at 11:00 AM on the 11th to silently reflect on the service of our military is a simple but important action to take. The moment of silence, lasting for no more than a couple minute’s time, marks the time during which armistice became effective. Participating in the moment’s observance, however, signifies a deference for Canadian soldiers that extends beyond its first World War origin. Everyone who dons a uniform in service of our country deserves the respect of Canadians. One’s partaking in the moment of silence, whether at a service or not, ensures that one still sounds the trumpet call in mind and in heart.