Location: Extendicare Columbia Forest, Waterloo, ON
At Extendicare Columbia Forest in Waterloo, Remembrance Day is much more than a date on the calendar. It is a tradition that is rooted in respect, reflection, and community.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an announcement echoes throughout the home, inviting residents, staff, and visitors to join in a solemn moment of silence. This shared pause is a powerful gesture of unity, linking the home to the greater national act of remembrance.
The home has been doing this for more than two decades now; creating a space where remembrance is both personal and collective.
The day includes a ceremony with a “Remember and Respect” acknowledgement where the Recreation Team reserves a place of honour for veterans and reads each of their names aloud. The team also pays tribute to veterans who have passed away in the previous year. Though the number of living veterans has diminished – from ten or eleven in earlier years to just one or two today – the commitment to honouring their legacy remains strong.
“Residents help to create poppy style crafts that are displayed throughout the home. One recent display featured black-and-white photographs of residents’ hands mounted on canvas with a single red poppy in the centre.”
In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, the front entrance to Columbia Forest is transformed into a visual tribute. The display changes every year and ranges from installations of dozens of poppies to poignant art projects. The Canadian flag is also replaced for the occasion, with the retired flag incorporated into the display as a further mark of respect.
“Residents often contribute by reading poems or sharing personal stories, adding depth and emotion to the ceremony.”
Columbia Forest also pauses to honour the families and workers who made a great effort to maintain a sense of comfort and stability at home. Their courage and sacrifice sustained communities and deserve equal recognition.
“The Recreation Team’s thoughtful planning brings these commemorations to life.” – Extendicare Columbia Forest
None of this would happen without the careful planning and dedication of the Recreation Team. During Veterans’ Week, their quiet leadership shines as brightly as the reddest of poppies. At Columbia Forest, and in long-term care homes across Ontario, the warmth and dedication of recreation teams lift the words “Remembrance Day” off the calendar to bring this annual moment of reflection to life.
Lest we forget.
