News & Events

Elmwood School Choir Performs at First World War Vigil

Students given unique opportunity to connect with Canada’s military past

Ottawa, November 4, 2008 – Elmwood School’s Grade 8 Choir took part in the opening ceremonies of the International World War I Vigil. Over seven nights, from sunset to sunrise, the 1914-1918 Vigil will project the names of 68,000 Canadian soldiers who died in the First World War onto the National War Memorial in Ottawa. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Along with the National Anthem, the group of 40 grade eight students sang the original song “How to Remember,” written by Elmwood music teacher Nicholas Gummeson. “The lyrics to this song were inspired by the bonds between fathers and daughters,” said Gummeson. “I wanted to paint a picture of the lives our veterans left behind, and how we can pay tribute to their sacrifices today.”

Elmwood School Board of Governors member Jean McCloskey was impressed by the girls’ poise and performance. “Their sweet, sincere voices warmed the hearts of all present. It was a moving moment of song and I was so proud of our girls—their freshness, harmony and composure.”

The cross-continent vigil was created by two Canadians and is intended to bring the soldiers and their stories back to life. "Taking part in the Vigil Project offered an experience of a lifetime for our students to honour and remember our veterans,” said Elmwood Head Cheryl Boughton. “This is an opportunity for us to connect with Canada’s history and reflect on what sacrifices were made for all of us.”

The students also placed candles at the base of the National War Memorial as the first names were projected.