Remembrance Day
Today, as communities across Hamilton and Canada pause for Remembrance Day, HWDSB joins in honouring all those who served and sacrificed in defence of our freedoms.
We express our deep gratitude to the veterans, service members, and families whose courage and commitment have shaped the country we share.
Across our schools and workplaces, students and staff are engaging in moments of reflection, silence, and learning. These moments connect us to the long-standing traditions of Remembrance Day and honour the many Canadians who answered the call to serve, both at home and overseas. Their contributions, bravery, and sacrifices remain foundational to the peace and freedoms we enjoy today.
At the same time, we recognize that Remembrance Day is experienced in different and deeply personal ways by the diverse communities that make up Hamilton. For many families, the day carries stories not only of service but also of struggle, resilience, and barriers overcome. We acknowledge the vital contributions of veterans whose service has not always been fully recognized: Indigenous, Black, Sikh, and Asian veterans, women in service, and 2SLGBTQIA+ members who served with integrity even when facing discrimination.
Earlier this week, we observed Indigenous Veterans Day, honouring First Nations, Métis, and Inuit veterans whose service spans more than 200 years. Despite facing inequitable treatment and systemic barriers, Indigenous veterans served with courage and deep responsibility to their communities and to the land. Their stories are essential to Canada’s military history and to our shared understanding of service.
As a public education institution, HWDSB is committed to ensuring that remembrance reflects truth, inclusion, and the diversity of experiences that make up our community. In our classrooms, students are learning about the many ways Canadians contributed during times of conflict and the importance of honouring all who served.
Remembrance is both a reflection on the past and a reminder of the future we must continue to build: one grounded in peace, dignity, justice, and understanding.
Today and every day, we honour those who served. We acknowledge those whose sacrifices forged the freedoms we enjoy. And we commit to remembering all stories, all experiences, and all who contributed to protecting our shared future.
Lest we forget.
Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini
Director of Education
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board
Updated on Monday, November 10, 2025.