Sunningdale School students placed flags in remembrance of the 158 soldiers and one civilian who died in Afghanistan. The Friends of the Forces Fellowship partnered with Sunningdale School to line the school’s front walkway with Canadian flags in preparation for Remembrance Day.
It was a brisk November morning, but Nathan Hazell’s grade seven class filed out regardless to drill holes in the frozen ground and place 159 flags. Friends of the Forces Fellowship member Phil Adkins explained to the grade sevens what the flags symbolized before handing out power drills and flags. The students broke into teams of drillers and flag-placers and set to work.
Chief Warrant Officer Keur of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (the “Big 2”) was there to represent the Forces. Also in attendance were Fellowship Vice-Chairman Robb Nesbitt; Fellowship treasurer Joyce Walter; and Fellowship members Carrie Froehlich and Ken Hawkes.
Sunningdale School principal Dave Osberg watched his students proudly, commenting that he was happy with how well they were cooperating and enjoying their tasks. “We’ve done this about nine or ten years now,” he said, “and it’s something we look forward to and the kids look forward to.” Osberg said it was a nice tradition each November to have the Friends of the Forces Fellowship and members of the Canadian Forces come out to the school to remind students there of the sacrifices made by our country’s soldiers.
The Sunningdale students enjoyed using the power tools, resulting in a few more holes being drilled than was strictly necessary. They were also visibly determined to do a good job and spaced the flags out carefully while packing dirt to make sure they stayed upright.
Formerly 15 Wing Fellowship, the Friends of the Forces Fellowship is a local organization whose mission is to strengthen ties between the Forces and the community. Information on their other upcoming events can be found at friendsoftheforcesfellowship.ca.
