Lest We Forget: Honouring Service, Sacrifice, and the Pursuit of Peace

Every year, on the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians pause to remember.
Remembrance Day is more than a date on the calendar — it is a solemn promise. A promise to honour those who served, those who continue to serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and peace.

Remembrance Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of the First World War in 1918. Since then, it has become a day to honour all who have served — in both war and peacekeeping missions — representing Canada’s unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and compassion.

The poppy, inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” stands as a symbol of that remembrance. Each petal represents not only loss, but hope — a reminder that the sacrifices of the past inspire us to build a better, more peaceful future.

At 11:00 a.m. on November 11, we observe two minutes of silence. In that quiet moment, we pause to reflect on what has been given so that we may live, learn, and thrive in freedom. It is a powerful act of unity that transcends age, background, and belief.

Remembrance at Global College

As a community of learners, Global College of Business and Technology values Service to Others, Awareness, and Integrity — principles that echo the spirit of Remembrance Day.
We encourage our students, staff, and alumni to take time to reflect on what service and sacrifice mean in today’s world.

This year, our students will have the opportunity to participate in a moment of silence  on or off campus to join us virtually in observance.

Faculty and staff are also encouraged to share personal stories of remembrance, whether they involve a family member who served or a reflection on what peace means to them today.

As educators, we believe remembrance is not just about the past; it’s about how we shape the future. It’s about cultivating compassion, leadership, and global awareness among our students — qualities that build bridges between communities and foster peace across borders.

The Values We Uphold

At Global College, remembrance is also about gratitude — for the opportunities we enjoy and the freedoms that allow us to pursue education, innovation, and connection.
Our diverse student body, representing many nations, reminds us that peace is a universal pursuit. Whether you were born in Canada or arrived more recently, Remembrance Day offers a shared space to honour courage, resilience, and humanity.

We also remember those who serve today: members of the Canadian Armed Forces, peacekeepers, first responders, and humanitarian workers who continue to protect and support communities here and around the world.

Lest We Forget

Remembrance is not only about looking back — it’s about carrying forward.
As we honour those who served, may we also recommit ourselves to building a world rooted in peace, respect, and understanding.

From all of us at Global College of Business and Technology,
we say with gratitude and reverence:

We remember. We honour. We will never forget.