An Ontario teacher and librarian is inspiring students to learn about the sacrifices of war with a centuries-old instrument used to rouse courage in soldiers as they are led into battle.
Beth DesRochers has played the bagpipes wearing traditional Highland dress for Remembrance Day services at her Penetanguishene, Ont. school for the past 25 years, a November tradition cherished by staff and students alike as they proudly stand at attention.
Three generations of DesRochersā family have served in the military -- her grandfather, her father and her son.
She regularly reads to students about tales of Canadian valour from books about Dieppe and Vimy Ridge throughout November.
āI just thought it was necessary that the children, even the kindergartens, learn about the sacrifices of war,ā she told Ā鶹“«Ć½ Barrie.
Her colleagues say her Remembrance Day assemblies have inspired a generation of students to consider Canadaās role on foreign battlefields. This yearās ceremony will be her last before retirement.
āSheās arguably the most dedicated person that Iāve had the pleasure to know,ā said her colleague Paul Benedet.
āSheās been here since the (schoolās) doors opened,ā said fellow teacher Trish Stack. āItās going to be a bit of an empty spot.ā
DesRochers, a member of the Midland Legion Pipes and Drums, hasnāt played her final note. She will play the bagpipes at the local cenotaph on Remembrance Day and plans to return to inspire students next November.
With a report from CTV Barrieās K.C. Colby.
Midland Legion Pipes & Drums with Veteran Frank Graham in Wageningen, Holland on May 5th, Liberation Day.
ā ELIZABETH DESROCHERS (@ELIZABETHDESROC)
