CP24.com readers were asked to share their Remembrance Day stories with us, whether they participated in the war or grew up with a loved one in service. These are their memories and the photos that have defined their experience.

Memories

On picture day in grade 1, my son Steve wore his poppy to school to remember his Grandfather who had recently passed away.

Grandpa had been a soldier in the Canadian Army during World War ll, and the loss of his Grandpa affected Stephen deeply.

He understood what Remembrance Day was. His grandfather had lived with us and had always worn his poppy proudly in November.

He would make sure Steve wore one too. The year before, Stephen had attended Remembrance Day ceremonies with his Grandpa.

Stephen was a quiet lad and would sob softly in the classroom whenever he thought of the loss he endured.

His classroom teacher was very sensitive to Steve's needs throughout that fall and was helpful in allowing him to grieve as a six year old would.

Journal writing was part of the grade one daily routine. Stephen would draw pictures of Grandpa and him doing their favourite things.

He would use approximations of words he wished to write to express his loss.

Tears would fall on his notebook.

That day in November, Stephen lined up with his class to have his picture taken. He knew he was going to do something special for his Grandpa's memory.

Once he sat down for his individual photograph, the photographer removed the poppy for the picture.

As quiet as Steve was, he didn't protest and allowed the picture to be taken.

Back in class, Steve wrote in his journal that, "Peeple need to be remmbrd".

When his teacher was able to speak with Stephen individually, she softly asked him to tell her about his journal entry.

She then called the photographer back to take Steve's picture with the poppy on.

This act of kindness continues be appreciated by Stephen and our family.

We will treasure his photograph always.

This morning Steve went out the door to college, wearing his poppy proudly.

Grandpa is forever remembered in Stephen's grade 1 school picture.

Martha Longo

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