St. Dominic students hold special tribute By Nathan Howes OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Canada's fallen heroes may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. Canada stood silent Friday morning to honour its brave veterans and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country. St. Dominic Catholic School was one of several sites in Oakville holding Remembrance Day ceremonies to pay tribute to those who have fought and died for freedom. "We honour the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives so that we may enjoy the many freedoms we have in Canada -- the freedom to worship God, the freedom to vote, and the freedom to speak out in times of injustice," said Grade 8 student Connor Savery, who helped emcee the ceremony. The 90-minute observance was marked by several student tributes -- ranging from the singing of Song for Peace e and a soulful rendition of Amazing Grace, to groups of Grade 8 students re-enacting scenarios of mourning and adoration to the song, If You're Reading This s by Tim McGraw. Rachel Leary, wife of the late Captain Richard Leary of Brantford, made a special appearance to thank students for honouring the memory of her late husband and other fallen soldiers. Captain Leary, a platoon commander of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry regiment, lost his life on the battlefield in Afghanistan in June 2008. He was 33. "He was brave, loyal, my best friend, my soulmate and my hero. He was so proud of his platoon, which consisted of 39 soldiers, which he was going to lead into combat," she said. "Richard was honoured to be able to serve his country and to be able to help the people of Afghanistan." The pair grew up with each other -- knowing one another for half of their lives. He was accepted into the military in 2004, and they moved in together in New Brunswick in 2005, she said. "Once there, I started to realize what life would be like to be part of a military family. Richard spent a lot of time in the field, so every moment we had with each other we cherished," said Rachel. "Rest in peace again to my hero, my husband CHANTAL AYOTTE / OAKVILLE BEAVER Captain Richard Leary. I love you." HONOURING VETERANS: Students at St. Dominic School held a Remembrance Day ceremoSince 2002, 158 members of the Canadian ny Friday. Here, from left, Tomi Ayeni, Julia Baburic and Anna Babus clasp their hands in prayer during a Armed Forces have been killed in Afghanistan. touching g slideshow. Earlier this year, Bronte Veterans Garden was unveiled at Donovan Bailey Park alongside Bronte Road, and was the culmination of a year's worth of hard work for Grade 7 and 8 students at St. Visit Sheridan's Annual Dominic's. The idea for a tribute began last year when students wanted to do something to emphasize the significance behind The Veterans Highway. Part of the garden was a tribute to the late Corporal Robert James Mitchell, who died in Afghanistan in October 2006, and the late Private See Students page 14 13 · Wednesday, November 16, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com de to al p er s Gadsden's 5th annual 40 Oakville Find out why Sheridan grads get great jobs! Saturday, November 19, 2011 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Visit information booths featuring Sheridan academic programs, and speak with faculty and students. Get the information you need about admissions, financial aid, student services and the Sheridan experience! Tour the campus and explore Sheridan first-hand. Antiques Show and Sale November 19 & 20 Saturday 10 am - 5 pm / Sunday 11 am - 4 pm Highway 5, Dundas St Top dealers bring to Oakville a wide range of high quality antiques and collectibles. Great gift ideas for everyone on your list. Special appearance: Buy your Christmas cookies from Mennonite Gracie's Cookies, Sat., Nov. 19 3rd Line 4th Line S. Traf algar St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre 1280 Dundas St. W, Oakville Adult admission $7.00, Free parking Superb Ukrainian catering at the show On Hwy 5 at 4th Line S., one km east of Third Line antiqueshowcanada.com 1-800-667-0619 Register online and attend for a chance to WIN an iPad2! openhouse.sheridancollege.ca *some conditions apply *