Cadet’s Remembrance Day message a reminder not to forget lessons of past wars

An air cadet in Iqaluit delivered a powerful Remembrance Day message, calling for people to remember the sacrifices of Canadians in past wars, and to learn from those conflicts to create future peace.

“Today, news headlines remind us of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran. I find myself questioning: Have we truly learned from our past?” said Flight Sgt. Brogan Savard, a member of Iqaluit’s air cadet wing.

He spoke at Tuesday’s ceremony inside the warm confines of Iqaluit’s cadet hall where approximately 300 people gathered for the city’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony.

“This day serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impacts of war, the sacrifices of those who came before us, and the duty to be there to strive for a more peaceful and understanding global community.”

The gathering, held on the anniversary of the end of the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918, gave people the opportunity to reflect on Canadians who died in all wars, including the Second World War, the Korean War and the war in Afghanistan.

In the crowd were the bright red uniforms of Canadian Rangers and RCMP officers, the green camouflage uniforms of Royal Canadian Air Force members from 3 Wing in Bagotville, Que., and the blue jackets of the youths of 795 Iqaluit Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

Premier P.J. Akeeagok, MP Lori Idlout, Commissioner Eva Aariak and Mayor Solomon Awa were among the dignitaries who laid wreaths.

The ceremony, with Iqaluit legion president John Graham acting as MC, began shortly before 11 a.m.

After the singing of O Canada, bugler Newkinga Moss performed The Last Post on trumpet.

That was followed by a sombre moment of silence that ended with Jonathan Ferraby playing a lament on bagpipes and Moss playing The Rouse, a short military call.

The commemorations continued with dignitaries and representatives from community organizations, businesses and families laying wreaths at the front of the ceremony stage.

It concluded with cadet Flight Sgt. Aubrey Sheppard reading John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields, the singing of God Save the King and the marching off of the colours.

Following the ceremony, Graham reflected on his years in the air force and the service of his family before him. He also noted this year marks his 50th year commemorating Remembrance Day in Iqaluit.

“The community’s very well represented here this morning,” he said.

“The cadets played a huge role in the ceremony today, and that was kind of in recognition of their 55 years of being a cadet squadron here in Iqaluit.”