There were three local top prize winners of the Youth Remembrance contest offered by the Royal Canadian Legion and the Legion National Foundation that includes creative art and writing for the purpose of perpetuating remembrance of
The three students who were recognized are Kaila Read from Heritage Elementary who placed second in the province in the primary black and white poster category, Antonia Tannert from
Finalists at the provincial level then move on to the Legion National Foundation in
At the provincial level winners receive a certificate of acknowledgement of their achievement.
Kaila also received $150 as part of her second place prize package, while Antonia and Michaela each received $250 as part of their first place prize package.
National level winners will be determined later in the year and each category winner will be sent to
Each of the students who were recognized on the provincial level had different reasons to participate in the Youth Remembrance contest this year.
“It’s important to remember Remembrance Day so we don’t forget everyone who fought and died so we all can be safe and happy,” Read said about her black and white poster.
“Inspiration came from the Flanders Field Poem and from poppies, by what it means when we say Lest We Forget,” Tannert said about her poem. “I wanted to express all the aspects and emotions that are brought up when we wear a poppy and remember those who fought for us.”
“The inspiration for this was the many soldiers that come back as heroes yet are forgotten once they become citizens again,” Stillwell said about her essay. “They are left largely unsupported as they have to deal with readjusting to life, physical problems, and PTSD. Although there are systems in place to help with this, we could and should be doing more.”
A poppy whispers
Written by Antonia Tannert
In flanders fields the poppies grow
But in our hearts their true meaning shows
They remind us that peace comes at a price
They remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice
This is what a poppy whispers
A poppy whispers for us to feel
Feel the trembling hands that fought for us
Feel the pounding hearts full of fear and sorrow
Feel the weight of each loss, luring you into an abyss
Feel the steady beating drums as the soldiers march
A poppy whispers for us to hear
Hear the whispered prayers from loved ones
Hear the screams of the dying and the silence of the dead
Hear the gunfire, the shooting and the chaos
Hear our anthem sung loud and proud
A poppy whispers for us to see
See the sacrifice it took to achieve peace
See the solemnity of a flag at half mast
See the devastation left behind on a battlefield
See the poppies planted in the fields and on our chests
A poppy whispers for us to remember
Remember the soldiers who gave their lives to fight
Remember the ones who died and the burdens the survivors carry
Remember the broken families and homes
Remember the sacrifices they made so you could be free today
In flanders fields the poppies grow
But in our hearts their true meaning shows
They remind us that peace comes at a price
They remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice
This is what a poppy whispers
Michaela Stillwell Essay 2021 by Teresa Verenca on Scribd
