Remembrance Day Ceremony

We are the Lucky Ones

Words and music by Deborah Thomson.

Performed by children from the Chelsea Elementary School at the annual Remembrance Day service at the Chelsea Pioneer Cemetery on November 11, 2008.

Background
"I had started a choir at Chelsea Elementary as a volunteer. I wanted some students at Chelsea Elementary to participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony, but could not find an appropriate song. Either the song was too difficult musically for young people to tackle, or the songs did not resonate subject wise with young people. So, on a Thanksgiving weekend in October 1999, I wrote a piece that I felt would be simple to sing, and provide some meaning and context for the children. The children responded positively and the song became a jumping off point for the investigation of what war means to us personally, nationally and globally. I wanted the children to be moved and to gain some insight into the realities of war. Our rehearsals were not just about singing a song, but rather finding the meaning of why we participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony."

Deborah Thomson