News Story

A Concert of Remembrance

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oshawa, Ontario, hosted a community “Concert of Remembrance” in honour of this year’s Remembrance Day. The concert featured the Oshawa Civic Band, Young Singers and members of the Ontario Regiment and Wounded Warriors Canada.

Remembrance Day commemorates when the armistice of World War I was signed in a railroad carriage in Compiègne, France, which initiated a ceasefire at 11:00 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veterans from World War II and all other wars are now included in this day of remembrance.

Member of Parliament Dr. Colin Carrie and Mayor John Henry offered opening remarks at the concert. Under the direction of Oshawa Civic Band’s music director Rita Arendz, distinguished narrators included retired colonel Robert Chapman, Oshawa regional and city councillor, and retired captain John Drygala from the Ontario Regiment Museum. David Macdonald, ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada, shared his experience of serving in the Canadian Army and his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder after having been wounded while serving a combat tour in Afghanistan.

Oshawa Ontario Stake president David LaFrance remarked, “We collectively unite and pay tribute through music and word to those who have and continue to put themselves in harm's way to protect us. By honouring and remembering those who have served in armed conflicts, we do not glorify war. Rather, we express our deepest appreciation and gratitude for being the beneficiaries of living in a free, peaceful and prosperous society.”

Concert soloists included mezzo-soprano Kristine Dandavino from the Oshawa Opera, piper Rick Paterson and violinists Fiona and Edana Lynch. Eight-year-old Alison Lynch played a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the Irish whistle. After a traditional two minutes of silence, Iain Lynch played the “Piper’s Lament” using the shuttle pipes.

President LaFrance added, “There is a cost to living in a free and democratic nation. History teaches us that a severe price has been paid by those who were willing to sacrifice their lives to defend our freedom and liberties. We must resist taking these precious gifts for granted. We must teach our children to remember that peace comes with a cost.”

Over the course of the two world wars, more than 1.8 million Canadians served in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and other national forces. The poppy, which has often grown over the graves of fallen soldiers since the Napoleonic Wars, has become recognized worldwide as a symbol to honour those who have died in conflict and is worn by millions.

“Remembering is an important concept to members of our faith community in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said LaFrance. “In our canon of scripture, we are often admonished to remember ‘how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men’ (Moroni 10:3). When citizens have a basic goodness to govern their actions toward one another, we will achieve peace in the world.”

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ taught, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'” (John 15:12–13).

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.