Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

November 08, 2005

U of G to Hold Remembrance Day Service

The University of Guelph will hold its annual Remembrance Day Service Nov. 11 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. in War Memorial Hall.

The service, which will be broadcast on TV monitors in the University Centre’s Centre Six area, will feature a welcome address by president Alastair Summerlee and readings by a variety of students, staff and faculty including Bruno Mancini, director of Student Life and Counselling Services; Hannah Draper, student and executive member of the Central Student Association; and Prof. Fred Ramprashad. Musical selections will be performed by the U of G Chamber Choir, conducted by Prof. Marta McCarthy, School of Fine Art and Music.

“Remembrance Day is not just a time to reflect on the past,” said Summerlee. “It’s also a time to address contemporary global conflict and strive toward achieving equity among humankind and establishing a future of peace.”

The procession to the chapel will be led by Maurice Smith and RCMP superintendent Ron Allen, who will carry the Rose Bowl — a silver bowl filled with red roses that has become a special symbol of the University’s history. Donated by Guelph graduate Kathleen Dowler Riter in honour of a friend and faculty member, RAF Captain John Playford Hales, who was killed in France in 1918, the Rose Bowl is placed at the front of the hall and will remain there during the service.

War Memorial Hall commemorates students who served in the First and Second World wars. The memorial chamber between the two entrances contains two stained-glass windows designed by renowned Toronto artist Peter Haworth.

The cornerstone for War Memorial Hall was laid in August 1923, and the building was dedicated on June 10, 1924. The building was a student initiative and made possible by financial contributions from faculty, alumni, government and the public.

Reserved seating is available for veterans by calling June Pearson at (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53093. Parking is available in lots P23, P24 or P44.