On November 11 many people focus on memories of loved ones who fought for freedom, but for 93-year-old Second World War veteran and York resident Alban Hebburn, it's also about creating new memories for the young students of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School.
The Remembrance Day assembly at Our Lady has featured Hebburn as a guest of honour for almost 20 years and each year he looks forward to teaching new minds about the sacrifices made to build the country they live in."Today is really about the students and giving them something to think about," said Hebburn, sharply dressed in his formal military uniform.A small crowd of students gathered around Hebburn as he stood outside the school's main office, waiting for their annual assembly to begin. He was a topic of excited questioning from the children, but Hebburn never felt being the centre of attention motivated him to religiously attend Remembrance Day ceremonies through the years."I represent the guys that didn't come back, that's why I'm here," said Hebburn. "Not all students here are inclined to pay attention to these things, but the ones that do are wise to follow history. My message to students is always that it should never happen again."The students gradually filled the school's gym and the assembly began. Most sat on the floor, with a few chairs arranged at the front of the crowd for veterans and special guests. Hebburn sat prominently in the only padded seat as groups of students took turns making presentation to their peers.Students recounted events that Hebburn had experienced first-hand as an anti-aircraft gunner and participant in the battles at Dieppe, Juno Beach and Normandy. He finished his service in Holland, achieving the rank of Platoon Sergeant.The messages presented in the assembly were taken to heart by many. Grade 8 student James Mangaliman had sat through many such assemblies and learned important lessons from Hebburn."Of the entire 365 days of the year, today we remember that there are people that are fighting to protect us," said James. "All the other days of the year we go on and sometimes it's easy to forget about them, but it's special on this day to remember it. It should remind us that all other days are important to remember them, too."Another familiar face in the audience was student-teacher David Nespolo, who was volunteering at Our Lady while he finished teachers' college.Today he was serving in a different position, that of a Corporal in the Governor General's Horse Guards. As a military man and a teacher, Nespolo has noticed the students at the school have a particularly strong understanding of what Remembrance Day is all about."The children here have always been very aware of everything the Canadian Army stands for and I'm sure they appreciate all the sacrifices that have been made," said Nespolo. "They are very aware that peace is something that is important and that we need to strive for continuously."This is a sentiment that Hebburn agrees with, happy to observe the growth of students he has visited over the years."They are well educated and brought up properly," said Hebburn. "They have a brain and I hope they use it to reach positions in life where they will be leaders of society and they have to remember to make sure it never happens again."