A student honours his grandfather in a big way

When he was younger, Ryan would often listen in amazement to his grandfather’s war stories. Eddie Solway had a way to tell stories that wouldn’t scare his grandson, but rather would help him understand what he went through. “I truly enjoyed hearing those stories when I was a kid. That’s why I wanted to share them with others.”

Ryan really wanted to pay tribute to his grandfather and all veterans, so he set out to organize his own personal homage. “No one was doing it, so I said to myself that it should be me who does it. Also, it’s a good way to remember.”

He first started in secondary two with a small assembly in the library with his classmates and teacher. Mr. Solway was the guest speaker and the students present were paying very close attention and hanging to the Second World War veteran’s every word. The year after, the ceremony got a little bigger as it was held in the gymnasium in front of the entire student body. Once again, Ryan’s grandfather was the main speaker. This year, Ryan wanted to make the ceremony a little different, so he invited another war veteran, Bob Feldstein, council members Maurice Cohen and Laval Demers, Mayor Alan DeSousa and Member of Parliament Irwin Cotler.

Before the ceremony began, the guests entered the gymnasium lead by a bagpiper. Then everybody stood up and sang the Canadian national anthem.

Mr. Cotler was the first to address the crowd and said: “Today is a day of appreciation and acknowledgement for our country.” The former Minister of Justice told the spectators how significant and important this day is because of what happened in the past, but also because of what’s going on right now in Darfur, in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in Israel and everywhere else in the world.

Next was Eddie Solway who recited a touching poem explaining why we wear a poppy on Remembrance Day. Then, fellow war veteran Bob Feldstein told tales of the Second World War, including the legendary Operation Overlord. “[The Second World War] left a legacy of death and destruction for everyone. A few words are not sufficient to tell how tragic this war was.”

Mayor DeSousa said he was moved by the sight of the young people present on this day and he suggested they travel to Europe to see the war monuments for themselves.

The celebration ended with former school Principal David Superstein naming the different people connected to Herzliah who died on the battle fields and how it is important to never forget them.

(Photo: Courtesy)