A New Generation Remembers: Glebe Collegiate Institute Students Play Key Role in 25th Anniversary of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In May, students from Glebe Collegiate Institute stood at the heart of Canadian history, ready to take on a profound responsibility. They were there to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an event that would connect them to the past in a powerful and personal way.

The day began with a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the House of Commons and the solemn Hall of Remembrance. Inside these historic walls, where every "Yes" and "No" has shaped the nation, the students were given a quiet moment to reflect on the immense gravity of the space.

Next, the students gathered at the Centennial Flame. There, they witnessed the lighting of the Torch of Remembrance before carrying its sacred flame in a procession to the National War Memorial. It was a journey that symbolized the passing of a legacy—from those who served to the next generation entrusted with their memory.

At the memorial, a moving ceremony unfolded. The students took center stage, their voices echoing in the quiet air as they read five letters written by Hart Leech, a soldier who was killed at the Battle of the Somme and has no known grave. In sharing his words, they gave a voice to one of the countless Canadians whose stories might otherwise be lost to time.

The ceremony concluded with a poignant excerpt from the 1938 Glebe Collegiate yearbook. Written by a former student, Ian A. McPhee, on the very eve of the Second World War, his words were a heartfelt plea to his peers and a timeless reminder of the precious freedom secured by millions who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As Canada’s next generation, the students of Glebe Collegiate were given a distinct honour and a collective duty: to remember. Their participation in the commemoration, alongside dignitaries like Her Excellency Governor General Mary Simon and Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight, was more than just a ceremony. It was a promise to ensure that the torch of remembrance continues to burn brightly, a beacon of hope and a symbol of unwavering responsibility to those who served.

Nous nous souviendrons. Lest we forget.

Ian A. McPhee’s excerpt from the 1938 Glebe Collegiate yearbook

‘‘A few short years ago, millions of men died that we might enjoy freedom and security. If we fail to keep it, we fail those whose torch was passed on to us to keep burning brightly, and to be held high.

If we do preserve it, we honour them, and when we in our turn pass on, we will know that behind us lives a generation of free men and of free women to be the keepers of this great heritage of ours - Canada.’’

Here’s what the students had to say:

Marc-Antoine Parkhill

“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to speak at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the 25th anniversary. It was a powerful experience and an honour to be part of such an important moment. I couldn’t have done it without the support and guidance of my amazing teacher, Ms. McIntyre — thank you for believing in me.”

SophieAnna Guilbault

“Standing beside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I'm reminded that remembrance is not just a tradition, it's a responsibility. This experience has moved me in ways I didn't expect, and it helped me acknowledge that behind the unknown names, there are stories of bravery, hope, and heartbreak that I've come to have a deeper sense of respect for after this event.”

Noemie Liut-Hiridjee

“It was an incredible opportunity to be able to experience this commemoration. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am incredibly honoured to have been able to be a part of the ceremony, seeing all the veterans there, and standing beside the tomb. It made me realize how important it is to remember and commemorate those who have served and fought for us.”

Jackson Heath

“The 25th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a great experience that I am very grateful to have been able to attend. It was an honour to be able to learn more about our history in remembrance of the soldiers who fought for our country. It was also interesting to meet important Canadians who have contributed a lot to Canada. The ceremony was a great experience that I will never forget.”

Macy Rogers

“I am eternally grateful for being included in such a memorable and historic event. It was so beautiful to be able to witness all the hard efforts people put into the ceremony to honour all the brave Canadians who lost their lives fighting for this country.”

Ella Elmslie

“Being able to watch the ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a straight honour, and I am grateful that Glebe was able to be involved in this experience.”

Sydney Trites

“Even though I did not speak at the event, I thought it was the most moving and powerful event I have ever had the honour of attending. I got to meet the Governor General and be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Isabelle Olsen

“I think that the event will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was a beautiful thing.”

Kai Bramley

“The field trip to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was an extremely interesting field trip that helped me realize how important remembrance is.”

Chesel Law

“It was an extremely exciting and cool experience that I will remember for years to come.”

Lumia Kovacs

“Our class was so grateful to be a part of honouring something so special to our history and country. I felt so grateful that we were given this opportunity, and it was such an amazing experience. It was so amazing to speak at the ceremony, and it was an opportunity I’ll never forget.”

(Photos shared with permission from Veterans Affairs Canada.)

A New Generation Remembers