Two members of the Canadian forces came to Humboldt Collegiate Institute to speak at the school’s Remembrance Day Ceremony on Thursday.

Cpl. Daniel Goncalves read one of his poems, which are inspired by the experiences of his friends and family. He wrote the first after the death of a friend in 2010.

“It’s good to give children the awareness that we are around,” he told Bolt FM. “A lot of us joined when we were young and back then in World War 1 and World War 2 they were teenagers fighting in these battles. For me it’s basically to relate more to them, as well.”

Pvt. Jean-Nicholas Godfrey presented a history of Canadian forces, from century-old battles to modern rescue and counter-terrorism efforts.

“I’ve always loved history, so for me to cover the history of the military is something I enjoy quite a bit,” he said.

“I tend to be kind of an emotional guy so for me, I empathize with people quite a bit so when I see the stories of all the young men and women who gave their lives of the service of their country, it’s something that I think people need to remember and be aware of. And I think Remembrance Day is important for that - we can’t forget. It’s something that as Canadians we have a duty to remember the sacrifices people have made over the years.”

Teacher Heidi Phillips, who helped organize the ceremony, said she thinks of everyone who fought and didn't return. Her grandfather fought in World War 1 and a great uncle was shot down in World War 2.

“Every year that goes on there are fewer veterans from the world wars. So it’s more important for students and young people to carry the torch, so that future generations will remember once those who fought actively in the wars have passed on."