New in paper

25 years of remembering

There are days and events in one’s life that simply cannot be erased, nor should they. Such was that day, 25 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001.

The world remembered in silence at 9:46 AM (CST) in homage to the victims of that tragic event. Sadly many thousands would lose their lives in the wars that followed as a result of 9/11, including no less than 165 Canadians in Afghanistan. We shall remember them.

Following that solemn silence, attention in Canada and the United States will be drawn to Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and understandably so.

It’s the start of a new school year, but not just any school year. It’s also school board election year.

Nominations are public knowledge and close on Sept. 22 and, on Oct. 28, new or continuing trustees will be elected, re-elected or acclaimed. For the next four years the people chosen will make many of the crucial decisions that affect our children’s education. It’s a big deal (one-third of our children’s school lives).

As a former superintendent, I want to encourage everyone to get involved and, at the very least, vote.

At least two school divisions during the last round elected or acclaimed people who were openly residential school deniers and sexists, people willing to break the law, deny human rights and who defied their educators’, communities’ and government’s efforts to rein them in. They were community dividers, pitting people against one another and against children. Therefore, it’s important to vote responsibly, meaning voters need to familiarize themselves with their candidates.