November 5-11th is National Veterans’ Week. 

2023 marks the 75^th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping. Canada has a long history of helping defend and maintain peace around the world. More than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in international peacekeeping efforts in dozens of countries. We recognize and remember their courage, service and sacrifice.

Nov 8th is Indigenous Veterans' Day, observed in recognition of indigenous peoples' contributions to the Canadian military, in particular during the war of 1812, the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and other Indigenous people were not conscripted in these wars because they weren’t considered Canadian citizens at the time. Despite that, it is estimated that more than 12,000 Indigenous men and women volunteered and served. We take this day to remember and honour the courage and strength of these service men and women.

Every year on November 11th, Canadians take a moment of silence to remember the individuals who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, crisis, and peace. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served this country, and over 100,000 have died in the process. They sacrificed their lives and futures so that we may live in peace.  

This year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 10th. School will start at 8:30am to hold our ceremonies during Block B.

Staff and students are asked to please dress respectfully and formally for this solemn occasion.

Poppies will be distributed during Block A 

McMath Poppy Fund Collection.  Staff and students are encouraged to make a small donation in their honour, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Veterans’ Society.  This donation will directly assist Veterans in financial distress, as well as fund medical equipment, medical research, home services, long term care facilities, etc.    This year we have given families an option to donate on School CashOnline https://schoolcashonline.com/

Alternate Schedule for Nov 10th 

8:30 – 9:25 am: Block A (Poppy Distribution)

9:30 – 10:35 am: Block B1 (Remembrance Day Ceremony #1) PE, A & B Wing Classes will be called down

10:40 – 11:45 am: Block B2 (Remembrance Day Ceremony #2) C Wing Classes will be called down

11:45 – 11:55 am: Break

12:00 – 1:05 pm: Block C

1:05 – 1:50 pm: Lunch

1:55 - 3pm Block D

The McMath Library (LLC) has a wide range of resources to commemorate National Indigenous Veterans’ Day and Remembrance Day. Lest We Forget.

For those wishing to reflect and remember with the community, there is an in-person Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday, November 11 at the cenotaph located on the east side of Richmond City Hall (6911 No. 3 Road), find times and events here: https://www.richmond.ca/culture/calendar/special-events/RemembranceDayCeremonies.htm#:~:text=2023%20Ceremony&text=For%20those%20wishing%20to%20reflect,Richmond%20City%20Hall%20(6911%20No.