There they helped provide the lumber required to maintain trenches on the front lines, as well as helped make roads and railways. The battalion was sent to eastern France in 1917 where they served with the Canadian Forestry Corps. William White was one of the few Black commissioned officers to serve in the Canadian Army in WWI. The Black Battalion’s chaplain was Reverend William White and he was given the rank of Honorary Captain. Recruitment took place across the nation and more than 600 men were accepted from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and the West. 2 Construction Battalion was created in Pictou, Nova Scotia-the first large Black military unit in Canadian history. At the outset of the First World War many Black Canadians were eager to serve their country. The First World War witnessed tremendous service and sacrifice by Black Canadians. In the late 1850s, hundreds of Black settlers from Vancouver Island organized the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-Black volunteer force, and the first officially-authorized militia unit in the West Coast colony. Approximately 1000 Black militia fighting in five companies also played an important role in the Upper Canadian Rebellion (1837–1839), even taking part in important events such as the Battle of Toronto. Black soldiers participated in the War of 1812, helping defend Upper Canada against American attacks, including the Battle of Queenston Heights. The tradition of military service by Black Canadians goes back long before Confederation. Remembrance Day Morning Announcements The Contributions of Black Canadians in Military Service Mary CSS will remember, Remembrance Day morning announcements, WWII theme tweets, a special display case, and a Remembrance Day Video Assembly on November 11th and 12th in homeroom classes. Even though we live during some difficult times and personal challenges, we should never forget the many young Canadian men and women who entered very difficult and dangerous situations to defend Canada and its Allies. Mary CSS is on from November 5th and 11th and this year is the 75th anniversary of the end of Second World War.
Mary will be having a virtual assembly on November 11th. Please note, the Remembrance Day Video Assembly contains material such as photos of soldiers, military equipment and war scenes that may be disturbing for some students.
We welcome you to view the video of Remembrance Day 2021 Ceremony which was shown in class on Wednesday November 10th. On November 11, we observe a moment of silence to honour the courage, valour and sacrifice of the heroes who have served – and continue to serve – Canada during times of war and conflict. Find your moment – honour those who have served and show thanks for their sacrifice.Įvery year we would like to invite the family members and veterans from within in our community to join us. Cadets who would like to volunteer to assist with the St. Remembrance Day is about showing our respect and gratitude to the serving and previous members of our armed forces who have sacrificed for our country.