SKSS Remembrance Day Assembly 2015
CADETS BRING FLAG INTO THEATRE AND STAND GUARD
CHOIR SINGS “O Canada”
I AM (by Anil Anthony Pinto)
(1) When all is said (2) and done
(3) And my race here is run
(4) Who will I say I am?
(1+2) A rich man? (3+4) A brilliant man?
(5) I'm not sure..but (all so far) this I know.
(6) When they massacred each other in Rwanda and my General wept
(5+6) I wept with him
(7) For I am (all so far) compassionate
(8) When the earth shook in Nepal (9) and the storms ravaged the Philippines
(10) I took the coat of my back and sent it there
(11) For I am (8 – 11) giving
(12) While the world dithered on aid to Africa
(13) I quietly sent my paycheck to the Salvation Army
(14) For I am (12 – 14) generous
(15) When tyrants and dictators across the sea (all) crushed the human spirit
(1) I picked up arms and (all) restored (2) the spirit of man
(3) For I am (15 – 3) righteous.
(4 – 6) When immigrants came to my borders (7) hungry, (8) tired (9) and ravaged (7 – 9) by war
(10+11) I welcomed them (12) with open arms
(13) For I am (10 – 13) kind.
(14) No one knows of theses deeds I have done
(15) I have told no one
(all) For I am (1) modest
(2) So when I (all) cross (3) that great river to the (all) other side
(5+6) The gatekeeper will say to me
(7) I know you (8) my friend. (9) Come on in.
(10) And as I pass through those gates (11) and look back (12) one last time
(13) One thing (14) I will know (15) for sure..
(Nate) The hounds of hell will not be nipping at my heels through all eternity
(all) For.. I AM CANADIAN
(black out)
(We see a large headstone and several white crosses upstage. A mother and child walk up to the tomb)
Child Where are we, mommy?
Mom This is where we come to remember our family members who fought and died in the wars.
Child What is war?
(Scrim is blacked out and we see projection for WW1)
WORLD WAR 1
PROJECTION - dates
CONSCRIPTION
Samir (isolated in a spot, seated at a table) 18. Finally. I can't wait to finally leave this place and make my path through this world. First of my family to graduate! I'll finally be able to make my parents proud. I'll be the chemist to cure Polio, I just know it.
(family enters light and mom sets cake on table)
Claire Time to blow out your candles!
Samir Now my life really begins.
(“Happy Birthday” is heard in the background, and as candles are blown out the singing slows down and lights become harsher as family exits with table)
Ryan (entering from right) On your feet, private!
Samir (jumps to his feet) Wait, this has to be a mistake! I'm not a soldier. I'm a student! I'm going to be a chemist! This isn't right!
(Hannah, Nate, Blake, Dawson, Amy, and Cooper enter with rifles and form a line on either side of him and Ryan pushes a rifle into Samir’s chest who looks at it with confusion)
Ryan Attention! (all but Samir snap to attention) Company drill! (all do gun routine and Samir joins in on second round) About turn! (all turn to the left) Company fall out! (all exit left)
PROJECTIONS - propaganda posters
RECRUITMENT
Army generals all shouting things like “come join the army” “help fight for our country!” with posters, etc
Army General (Cooper) Okay gentlemen, I’ll take it from here. * all other soldiers line up along the stage*
Army General: (Cooper)We are gathered here today for the greatest opportunity you will ever receive in your life, the opportunity to serve and protect your country. Today, I give you the opportunity to become a hero. If you think you are brave enough to conquer the enemy, enlist today in the Canadian Army. *cheering*
PROJECTIONS - images of soldiers at Vimy Ridge and details of the battle
VIMY RIDGE
V/O After months of planning and strategizing, the Battle of Vimy Ridge began at 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917.
(Tableau of General Byng and other military officials strategizing on a map)
V/O The first wave of 20,000 Canadian soldiers, each carrying up to 36 kilograms of equipment, attacked through the wind-driven snow and sleet into the face of deadly machine gun fire.
(Tableau of soldiers with packs in tableaux depicting the difficulty of walking with all their equipment against the wind and snow.)
Dawson (sitting, writing in a journal) April 10th, 1917. It’s the first day of battle in Vimy Ridge, morale is high even though we lost a few men. for the first time all four of our Canadian divisions came at the enemy full force. It felt exhilarating - these are my brothers in arms, all fighting for the same thing.we will fight and we will win! For Canada!
(Tableau of soldiers in good spirits sharing a canteen)
Dawson April 11th, 1917. I saw a man blow up right in front of me, later we found out it was Patrick.
(Tableau of mortally wounded Patrick on the ground, George being held back screaming)
He had a wife, Judy and some kids waiting at home, he always talked about seeing them again and now… I could have been blown up as well, if it weren't for James pulling me back… I owe him my life but… it should have been Patrick; he saved me.
(Tableau of two soldiers giving the wife Patrick’s pocket watch)
V/O The Canadian Corps, together with the British Corps to the south, had captured more ground, prisoners and guns than any previous British offensive of the war. Canadians would act with courage throughout the battle. Four Canadians would earn the Victoria Cross, our country’s highest medal for military valour.
(Cooper awards four soldiers with the medals, saluting each of them)
Dawson April 12th, 1917. We won the battle. There were 15,000 of us on the first day and now? Only 4,402 made it through alive.
(Tableau of an injured soldier being carried off)
Dawson So many are dead or injured, and me? I’m fine. I’m fine and James doesn’t have an arm. I’m fine, while 6 men around me got shot down. I survived and I wish I hadn’t! … We won… but at what cost?
PROJECTION - image of Flanders Fields and English version of the poem
(Crew sets several white crosses) French Immersion students recite “In Flanders Fields”
WORLD WAR 2
PROJECTION - dates
LYING TO ENLIST (JULY 4, 1941)
Samantha: (Miles) (to audience) Girls can’t fight, they say. We can fix machines, cut down trees, heal the wounded, and run farms while all the men are away, but they don’t think we can shoot a gun? The Soviets let women fight, so do the Romanians; I have as much right to defend my country as they do, and just as much as any man.
Recruiter: (stamps a piece of paper, and dismisses the person they just finished recruiting) Next.
Alex Sim(Samir): (moves to the front of the lineup and approaches the table)
Recruiter: How can I help you, son?
Alex Sim(Samir): I’d like to join the Army, sir.
Recruiter: And your age?
Alex Sim (Samir): 18.
Recruiter: Well, son, you have to be 18 and a 1/2 to go overseas.
Alex Sim(Samir): Oh well I... (stuttering, trailing off)
Recruiter: Why don’t you walk around the block and think about that.
Alex Sim(Samir): Will do, sir.
Recruiter: Next. (looking down)
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) (clears throat puts watch in pocket) Good afternoon, sir. I’m Sam Thompson and I would like to enlist in the Royal Canadian army.
Recruiter: How old are you, son? (looks up)
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) I’m 19.
Recruiter: (studies her for a moment) It is son, isn’t it?
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) Yes, sir. Of course.
Recruiter: Alright, we’re just going to need a few more pieces of information from you, so I’ll get you to proceed to the registration table down that way. Welcome aboard, Sam, you will be serving your country before you know it.
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) (nods) Thank you very much. (proceeds across stage)
Recruiter: Next!
Blake: You can go next. You, too. (moves to back of line)
Alex Sim(Samir): (enters, approaches Recruiter) Hello sir, my name is Alex Simm and I would like to join the army.
Recruiter: Age?
Alex Sim(Samir): I’m 19 years old.
Recruiter: That’s better.
PROJECTIONS - famous images of D-Day
D-DAY
(Three girls are sitting on the stage with text books)
Delainey My great uncle enlisted when he was only 16.
Jenna How did he do that? I thought they had to be at least 18?
Delainey He used his older brother’s ID, and he was even with the Canadian forces in 1944 when they landed on Juno Beach.
Shayna That was on June 6th. My grandfather was there too.
Jenna So was mine. He said it was the most terrifying experience of his life. What about your great uncle? What did he say about that day?
Delainey He couldn’t say anything. He didn’t make it to the beach.
Jenna Oh.
Shayna Do you know what happened to him?
Delainey Our family was told that he was shot right after he stepped off the boat.
Jenna My grandfather said he’d never forget the colour of the water.
Shayna What do you mean?
Jenna It was blood red when it washed up on the shore.
(pause)
Delainey What happened to him when he got to the beach?
Jenna He could only go forward, so he had to keep running straight into the gunfire.
Shanya The pictures I’ve seen show there were bodies everywhere.
Jenna Luckily, he made it to safety, and he said that every day after that was like dessert.
(pause and nod in understanding)
Delainey What about your grandfather?
Shayna He refused to talk about it.
PROJECTION - women with airplanes
NIGHT WITCHES
Mother So Tonya, my little one, will it be a song or a story tonight?
Tonya A story, about you in the War. Before you and dad came to Canada
M Well then, it won’t be a happy tale. Are you sure you want to hear it?
T Yes, mama.
M So. Right when the War began, I was at school in St Petersburg, studying to be a doctor. But I left when I learned that they were enlisting women to fight as pilots, and since I had flown sometimes as a girl, I thought they might take me. They did, and I was put into the 588th Night Bomber squadron. We were all women, Tonya, some of us as young as seventeen.
T Only seventeen?
M It wasn’t easy for us at first. The young men made fun of us and we were given little old rattling planes that weren’t even built for war, but we learned to be the best pilots in all of Russia. One night like many others, I was sent out with two other crews to ambush enemy pilots who were planning to bomb our base. We crept up behind them, but the canvas on the plane’s wings began to come loose, so I had to leave my friend at the controls as I crawled out onto the wing to hold it together.
T You did?
M (nods) She steered us above the enemy and turned off the engine so all they could hear was the swish of the wind, like a broomstick. They called us the Night Witches for that, and we wore the name with pride.
T What did you do then?
M We blew them to bits and flew out if there as fast as we could. Once we landed, I was covered in frost like a January tree.
T Wow.
M Those were strange days, Tonya. They were so afraid of us that any of their soldiers who shot us down would be given an Iron Cross.
T Really? They were scared even though you were girls.
M Especially because we were girls. They never guessed how dangerous we could be. But enough of that, little one. Bedtime for you now.
T Goodnight.
M Goodnight.
PROJECTIONS - Amid t he horrors of the holocaust there were still examples of kindness and compassion
HOLOCAUST
(A young man looks out the window while his parents have a hushed conversation. On the floor in front of them are three children sitting beside a chair. The boy is reading, the youngest girl is playing with a doll, and the oldest girl is combing her hair)
YG Do you think we'll ever get caught?
OG Don’t even think that way.
B The Abrams have done so much for us, they’re risking their safety to give us a safe place to hide
YG Don’t you ever wonder what’s going to happen? (they freeze)
(Mrs Abram nods to her husband who starts pacing. She turns to the audience)
Mrs. Abram: Since the day we moved into this town the Goldsteins were so kind to us. So when the children came home to find their parents had been taken away, we knew we had to protect them. We’ve been hiding them for about 6 months, but now they’ve started searching houses, and I’m scared that we’ll be next. I wouldn’t change the decision we made but I know if they are found, it will cost not only their lives but ours as well.
(Mrs Abram moves to the chiair and begins to braid the older girl's hair. The young man at the window sees something outside.)
YM Papa. They're coming.
(Mr Abram rushes to window and looks out. He turns to Mrs Abram and nods. She hurries the children down the steps to hide)
Mrs Abram (whispering): Quickly quickly. You must be quiet now. It’s going to be alright.
B: Thank you for everything you’ve done. (they hide behind the steps)
(Loud footsteps are heard followed by pounding and noises of the search)
YG What will happen if they find us?
PROJECTION - children in the concentration camp
(black out)
PROJECTION - Soldiers holding a newspaper about V-E Day
VE DAY
(We hear a recording of Winston Churchill's broadcast from V-E Day. Lights up on Hanna, Jenna, seated and listening to the broadcast. When it ends, they jump up crying and hugging and laughing. Shayna enters carrying groceries)
Sh What is it? What’s happened?
H He’s coming home
Sh Who’s coming home? What are you talking about?
J Haven’t you heard? The war is over!
H John will be home soon.
(All hug as lights crossfade to boss at desk. Secretary runs in.)
Delainey Is it really true, Mr. Brown?
Cooper Is what true?
Delainey They say the war is ended.
Cooper Well then we’d better close the office Miss Franklin, and go find out for ourselves.
(Crossfade to large group reading news ticker and celebrating. One sailor dips a nurse and everyone freezes as we see projection of the famous photo from Times Square.)
PROJECTION - Sailor dips nurse in Times Square
(Black out. All exit in the dark except Hanna who is holding a letter and looking shocked. Jenna walks to her.)
J Is that a letter from John? Does he say when he’s coming home?
H He’s not coming home.
J What do you mean he’s not coming home? The war’s over, remember?
H This letter says he was killed in action two days before it ended.
(black out)
PROJECTIONS - KOREA - THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Details of the BATTLE OF KAPYONG, Image of 2PPCLI before the Battle of Kapyong
PROJECTIONS - Information about peacekeeping and the dangers involved, a collage of the Rwandan genocide
PEACEKEEPING - RWANDA
PTSD
(Peacekeeping soldiers aboard a plane taking them home at the end of their deployment.)
A (Nate) Glad to be in the air. It’ll be good to be home again.
B (Samir) Home.
C (Delainey) Not sorry to say goodbye to this mission, that’s for sure.
A You’re right. Glad it’s over.
B (to himself) It’s over.
A Sure not like the stories my grandfather told me about his time in the second world war.
C Those guys made a difference. Long line of soldiers in your family?
A All the way back to my Great Grandfather in World War One. Died in the trenches. (shows others the pocket watch) This was his.
C (to B) Have a family back home?
B (lost in thought and doesn’t respond)
C (again to B) Hey. Have any family?
B Me? Just my parents. And my dog.
A What’s her name?
B He’s a boy. His name is Zack.
C He’ll be happy to see you.
(Something drops (offstage) and they all jump, but no one says anything at first. We begin to hear (voice overs?) each of the soldiers talk about what they’ve endured.)
A Even the smallest sound terrifies me now. After all I’ve seen, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to really relax again.
B (to himself) Keep it together. Keep it together. Keep it together.
C The fear in their faces. What was left of their bodies. How can human beings do such horrific things to one another. To the children. There was no humanity in them. Only hatred.
A How did they expect us to keep the peace when we were prevented from doing anything that could stop the killing?
C We weren’t peacekeepers. We were witnesses.
crossfade to soldier A scene (Nate + wife + child)
(Wife and child are sitting watching a movie. Daniel is standing behind them, listening, playing with pocket watch)
Child (to Mom) I wish Dad would watch the movie with us tonight.
Wife I know. We just have to give him time.
Child How much time? It’s no different than when he was away. He doesn’t do anything with us anymore.
WIfe He had dinner with us tonight.
Child And then he went back out into the garage. He’s like a different person.
Wife He’s still your dad. We should be glad just to have him back in one piece. I’m going to get us a snack. (gets up and sees Dad)
Dad (trying to be cheerful) That was the best meal I’ve had in awhile.
Wife Well I’m happy you enjoyed it. We’re watching a movie. Do you think you’d like to join us.
Dad Sure.
Wife Would you like something to drink?
Dad Yes, please. (sits with child) This is a pretty cool movie, eh?
(Popcorn starts popping and Daniel becomes anxious and unsettled)
Child Yeah…
(Popcorn starts popping faster and louder and in his head it turns into gunfire.)
Dad Ahhh! I can’t stand it! Make it stop.
Wife Daniel?! What’s going on?!
Child Dad? It’s just popcorn, Dad.
crossfade to soldier B scene (Samir + mom + dad)
(Kevin being greeted by his parents while he’s looking around for his dog.)
Mom We’re so happy to have you home, sweetheart.
(He extracts himself from his mother’s embrace)
Dad (shaking his hand then giving him a hug) We’re so proud of you son.
Kevin Where’s Zack? I thought you were going to bring him?
Mom Oh, Kevin. I know this isn’t a great time to tell you this, but there’ll never be a good time.
Kevin Where is he? Is he alright?
Dad Zack is really sick and the vet says he hasn’t got very long.
Kevin (starting to lose it) Are you telling me he’s dying?
Dad He’s in a lot of pain and we all think it would be for the best if you...
Kevin (getting more angry) What are you saying?
Dad We think you should...put him out of his misery.
Kevin (really angry now) So you want to kill him? When someone is sick your answer is to kill them?
Mom Well, no, but...
Dad It’s not fair to let him suffer...we waited until you got back...
Mom ...so you could say goodbye.
Kevin (trying to get it under control) I don’t know. I don’t know if I can do this.
Dad Please son.
Mom He can’t go on another day like this.
Kevin (Starts sobbing) Why does everything have to end in death? All the violence, all the killing. It is never going to get easier! I asked you to look after him! I’m over there trying to keep people from killing each other, and now I’m home and looking for something normal and you tell me my dog is...all I have are the memories of...all those people. The ones I cared for and the ones who cared for me. They were suffering! They were in pain! They’re nothing but ashes now. I can’t do it. I can’t take it.
crossfade to soldier C scene (Delainey + doctor)
C When people think of peacekeeping, they may not realize just how little peace there is to keep.
Dr It must be very, very hard to cope with, even now, if it’s led you to thoughts of suicide.
C Rwanda is a country of around 8 million people, mostly divided into two main tribes: the Hutus and the Tutsis. The nation had gone through decades of ethnic violence and by 1990 these conflicts had turned into a full blown civil war.
Dr And that‘s when you arrived?
C It was later, and much, much worse. I came to Rwanda on a peacekeeping mission in late 1993. It was in April 1994 when the violence escalated. A 100 day massacre occurred and I found myself caught in a chaotic conflict war zone that would never end. It was at that time, I felt hopeless. I could never accept the fact that I couldn’t intervene. It felt like watching people die was my job... it wasn’t right.
Dr Do you have any support in your personal life?
C I joined the military as soon as I could. It feels as if it’s all I’ve ever known. Ten years of my life have been dedicated to my country, but my sacrifice has been more than I ever expected.
Dr What do you mean?
C I never did end up having a family and due to my...instability, I haven’t been able to hold down a job. I’ve lost my friends, my home, my everything. It’s just so hard to find the help I need, or even a reason to keep going.
Dr It sometimes seems like society forgets to express its gratitude unless it’s November 11th and they’re wearing a poppy.
PROJECTION - Soldiers with a Christmas tree in Afghanistan
CHRISTMAS DINNER
(Dad and two daughters sit around a table on Christmas Eve with an empty seat at the end of the table representing the absence of the mother.)
Daughter 1:(Mariah) Is mom gonna be home for Christmas morning dad?
Dad (Dawson) : No I’m sorry honey, she won’t be able to make it tomorrow.
Daughter 2: (Amy) WHY NOT!!! Why won’t they let her come home!?!
Dad:(Dawson) You know she’s still in Afghanistan working to keep us safe.
Daughter 1:(Mariah) I miss her, what do you think she is doing dad?
Dad: (Dawson) I’m not sure sweetie…
(Crossfade to Mom in Afghanistan)
(Soldiers gathered around, Mel is only woman (extra (2-3) soldiers that won't have any lines)
Mel (Hannah): Everyone listen up. We’re going to enter the building through the north gate. As soon as we’re in, move towards the back corridor. Stay low and watch your back. The Taliban won’t hesitate to put a bullet through your skull. You see them, you shoot.Soldier 1(Cooper): We need to be fast and efficient. We get in, and we get out. No messing around.
Mel: (Hannah) (pulls out pocket watch, kisses it, and returns it to pocket) Let’s go.
(group of soldiers move into “building”, show Taliban hiding within the building.)
(Crossfade to Christmas Eve at Home)
Daughter 2: (Amy) She should be here! It’s Christmas! This is stupid!! I hate this! I hate her!!
Dad: (Dawson) Don’t say that, please sweetie. Sit down and let’s eat…
Daughter 2: (Amy) NO! I’m leaving! (swipes plates and cups off of table)
Daughter 1:(Mariah) I just want mom to be here! (starts to cry) It’s Christmas Eve and mom isn’t even here with us. (starts crying even harder)
(Dad is silent but reaches over and grabs daughter 1’s hand)
Dad: (Dawson) She will hopefully be home soon honey.
Daughter 1: I just don’t want her to be all alone on Christmas.
(Crossfade to Mom in Afghanistan - soldiers moving through building)
Mel Hannah: We’re not in here alone, be ready.
(Mel comes around corner and is confronted by attacker)
Soldier 1: (Cooper) Take cover!
(shooting between soldiers and Taliban)
(Taliban member throws grenade, explodes, and kills Mel who dies holding the pocket watch)
PROJECTION - Soldiers on patrol walking away from the camera
IED EXPLOSIVES
(Dawson, Blake, Samir, Hannah, Nate ,Brooke)
(Unit 4 is at previous destination waiting for orders)
Major(Miles): Where are we headed next General?
General(samir): We are heading to Korengal Valley to help out Unit 3. They’re being hit with heavy fire and bombs and need some assistance.
Lieutenant: (Blake) Alright, men you heard the General grab your gear, we’re headed to Korengal Valley let’s move out.
(crossfade to soldiers walking to their next destination)
Brigadier#1(Nate ): This is my first mission, sir. I don’t know what to expect? Brigadier#2(Dawson):(to brigadier #1) I bet we will just walk right in…
Brigadier #1 (Nate) (to General) What are our objectives, sir?
General: (Samir) I want you to keep a keen eye out for any enemy vehicles or any enemy gunners, they will be everywhere.
(After walking most of the destination they were nearing where Unit 3 was under fire. You can hear shouting and yelling from Unit 3)
Lieutenant: (Blake) You hear that sir, should we start to pick it up?
General: (Samir) Let’s pick up the pace! We need to be there pronto.
Brigadier #2(Dawson): I can’t wait until we can just go home. I can’t stand this.
Major: (Miles) Keep it close.
(Entering the enemy territory and then boom IED goes off)
Brigadier #2(Dawson) Screaming in pain as he has been hit.
General:(Samir) EVERYONE GET DOWN!!!
Brigadier#1: (Nate) Take cover!
Lieutenant: (Blake) Brigadier #1 (Nate) come help me bring him over to the ditch!
General: (Samir) Where is the Major? Where is he damn it! Everyone look for him! Lieutenant stay with Brigadier #2.
Brigadier#1:(Nate) General. Over here.
(On the other side of the road was Major and had bleed out for the damage)
(Scene goes dark)
General: (Samir) Bless that man’s soul
(crossfade to hospital scene)
(Brigadier #2 wakes up in hospital slowly but soon realises he has lost a limb)
Brigadier#2(Dawson): WHAT HAPPENED TO ME? DOCTOR!?
(Doctor comes in the the room to calm patient down)
Doctor(Brooke): It was an IED explosion. You’ve had major surgery and we were able to save part of your leg.
Brigadier#2(Dawson): .I can’t believe it...My life has been flipped upside down. It will never be the same never again.
PROJECTIONS - soldier saying goodbye to family
A SOLDIER’S WIFE
(Jenna) I hate to watch.
(Shayna) Each time you leave.
(Delainey) And I hide from you how much I grieve.
(Jenna) I know it’s your duty.
(Shayna) And you will go.
(Amy) But once you are gone,
(Delainey) I miss you so.
(Claire) I know you’ll come home.
(Mariah) As soon as you can.
(Aly) But right now you’ll deploy
(Hanna) like an honorable man.
(Amy) So I’ll keep things together.
(Hannah) Despite how hard it may be.
(Aly) But this is where you belong.
(Hannah) Not some desert overseas.
(Mariah) Yet, I do understand
(Hanna) why you risk your life.
(Claire) For that’s a soldier’s job.
(All) And I am a soldier’s wife.
PROJECTION - definition of barbaric
ISIS: PRISONERS OF WAR
Scenario: Woman soldier (Jessica) held captive in ISIS prison sitting cuddling a scrap of blanket when a child comes in the the stall behind her and starts to speak.
Child (Claire) (yelling for help)
Jessica (Mariah) Shh be quiet, you’ll disturb them, it will just cause you more harm.
Child (Claire) How long have you been in here for?
Jessica (Mariah) Long enough to know how things work around here. Don’t speak unless you’ve been spoken to, and even then don’t speak too much. Don’t look them in the eyes, never ask them for a favor, and no matter what, never ask them what they’re going to do to us.
Child (Claire) Why, what are they going to do to us?
Jessica (Mariah) Don’t worry about that, everything will be okay.
Child (Claire) I’m so cold.
Jessica (Mariah) Here, you can share my blanket.
Child (Claire) Thank you. It makes me feel safe.
*Blanket gets ripped out of Jessica's hand*
(Child gets dragged off by ISIS soldiers, soldiers covering mouth)
Jessica(Mariah) What’s wrong are you okay? (pause) Hello?
(A few seconds pass)
Prisoner 1 (Dawson) *Wakes up* What is it? Are they coming? What’s wrong?
Jessica(Mariah) The girl, they took the girl away. What’s going to happen to her??
Prisoner 1 (Dawson) A fate worse than death.
PROJECTION - young girl with a man's hand over her mouth
FORCED MARRIAGE
GIRL 1 (Brooke) My nightmare began when some men from my village handed me and my family over to ISIS fighters as we were trying to flee the area. I was separated from my parents and taken to a house where other abducted young women were being kept.
GIRL 2 (Aly) We were on our way to the school. They had blocked our path to safety, and there was nothing we could do. I never felt so helpless in my eighteen years.
GIRL 3 (Claire) They divided us into groups by gender and age: one for young and capable men, another for girls and young women, and a third for older men and women. They placed the girls and women in trucks and as they drove us away. We heard gunshots. Later we learned that they were killing the young men, including my husband.
GIRL 4 (Shayna) The guards separated the married from unmarried women.
GIRL 5 (Hanna) They made a lottery of our names and started to choose by drawing out the names.
GIRL 6 (Delainey) The men would come and select us. They would tell us to stand up. They would examine our bodies, and tell us to show our hair. Sometimes they beat the girls if they refused.
GIRL 7 (Jenna) My friend and I were given as a gift to two Islamic State members from the south.
GIRL 8 (Amy) The ISIS fighter who selected me slapped me and dragged me of the house as I begged him not to touch me.
GIRL 9 (Hannah) We tried to kill ourselves. We had found what we thought was poison, and we mixed it with some water and drank it. None of us died, but we all got sick.
GIRL 10 (Mariah) He burned me with cigarettes on my shoulders, my stomach and my legs. I was in so much pain.
GIRL 1 (Brooke) We tried to escape.
GIRL 2 (Aly) We knew that if we got caught we’d be killed.
GIRL 3 (Claire) So be it.
GIRL 4 (Shayna) We just wanted to end the torture.
GIRL 5 (Hanna) Before I was able to get away, I had been owned by seven ISIS fighters.
GIRL 6 (Delainey) They tell you you will have a nice house...
GIRL 7 (Jenna) ...a husband, money, everything a 15-year-old would want.
GIRL 8 (Amy) Don’t believe them. It is all lies.
GIRL 9 (Hannah) You will be raped and beaten and sold to other men.
GIRL 10(Mariah) They are criminals, and women are nothing.
CIVILIANS OR TERRORISTS
VOICE OVERS
Ryan: Fire Team Charlie to HQ. We have a crowd of civilians inside the plaza. Please advise.
Samir: Fire Team Charlie, this is HQ. Are these civilians armed? Over.
Ryan: Negative, HQ. Civilians look unarmed. Over.
Blake: Sir, another group of civilians moving in on our right.
Ryan: Fire Team Charlie to HQ. Possible hostiles incoming. Over.
Samir: Are they armed, Lieutenant?
Blake: Looks like something’s under their clothes.
Ryan: Fire Team Charlie to Q. They may be concealing weapons.
Samir: Fire Team Charlie, stand by. (Short pause)
Blake: They are advancing on us.
Ryan: They are armed. Confirmed they are -
(static is heard)
“THE PARTING GLASS” is sung by the SKSS choir as…
(We see the large Thompson headstone and several white crosses downstage. Each of the dead Thompsons enter and walk to the family memorial to stand behind their own cross. When the song ends, the mother and child enter and walk to the memorial.)
Child You mean that my grandpa was there?
Mom: Yes…(teary eyed and wipes tears) he was brave just like my grandpa was too
Child These were all people in our family.
Mom Yes..
Child I hope there will never be any more.
Mom Me too…
(They place the pocket watch at the grave)
PROJECTION - National War Memorial
STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE
(Delainey) Today we would like to thank the armed forces personnel from our student cadets to our war heroes. Over the past century we have lost many lives in the fight for our country. They were not in vain but in bravery. Warfare has changed from our enemies being recognizable to indistinguishable. Last year the brave Corporal Nathan Cirillo lost his life on duty, as he was standing on guard at our War Memorial in Ottawa. This attack happened on our own soil by one of our own people. He stood on guard that day, we must all stand on guard for thee.
“LAST POST” AND “THE ROUSE” performed by MacKenzie on the trumpet
CADETS BRING FLAG INTO THEATRE AND STAND GUARD
CHOIR SINGS “O Canada”
I AM (by Anil Anthony Pinto)
(1) When all is said (2) and done
(3) And my race here is run
(4) Who will I say I am?
(1+2) A rich man? (3+4) A brilliant man?
(5) I'm not sure..but (all so far) this I know.
(6) When they massacred each other in Rwanda and my General wept
(5+6) I wept with him
(7) For I am (all so far) compassionate
(8) When the earth shook in Nepal (9) and the storms ravaged the Philippines
(10) I took the coat of my back and sent it there
(11) For I am (8 – 11) giving
(12) While the world dithered on aid to Africa
(13) I quietly sent my paycheck to the Salvation Army
(14) For I am (12 – 14) generous
(15) When tyrants and dictators across the sea (all) crushed the human spirit
(1) I picked up arms and (all) restored (2) the spirit of man
(3) For I am (15 – 3) righteous.
(4 – 6) When immigrants came to my borders (7) hungry, (8) tired (9) and ravaged (7 – 9) by war
(10+11) I welcomed them (12) with open arms
(13) For I am (10 – 13) kind.
(14) No one knows of theses deeds I have done
(15) I have told no one
(all) For I am (1) modest
(2) So when I (all) cross (3) that great river to the (all) other side
(5+6) The gatekeeper will say to me
(7) I know you (8) my friend. (9) Come on in.
(10) And as I pass through those gates (11) and look back (12) one last time
(13) One thing (14) I will know (15) for sure..
(Nate) The hounds of hell will not be nipping at my heels through all eternity
(all) For.. I AM CANADIAN
(black out)
(We see a large headstone and several white crosses upstage. A mother and child walk up to the tomb)
Child Where are we, mommy?
Mom This is where we come to remember our family members who fought and died in the wars.
Child What is war?
(Scrim is blacked out and we see projection for WW1)
WORLD WAR 1
PROJECTION - dates
CONSCRIPTION
Samir (isolated in a spot, seated at a table) 18. Finally. I can't wait to finally leave this place and make my path through this world. First of my family to graduate! I'll finally be able to make my parents proud. I'll be the chemist to cure Polio, I just know it.
(family enters light and mom sets cake on table)
Claire Time to blow out your candles!
Samir Now my life really begins.
(“Happy Birthday” is heard in the background, and as candles are blown out the singing slows down and lights become harsher as family exits with table)
Ryan (entering from right) On your feet, private!
Samir (jumps to his feet) Wait, this has to be a mistake! I'm not a soldier. I'm a student! I'm going to be a chemist! This isn't right!
(Hannah, Nate, Blake, Dawson, Amy, and Cooper enter with rifles and form a line on either side of him and Ryan pushes a rifle into Samir’s chest who looks at it with confusion)
Ryan Attention! (all but Samir snap to attention) Company drill! (all do gun routine and Samir joins in on second round) About turn! (all turn to the left) Company fall out! (all exit left)
PROJECTIONS - propaganda posters
RECRUITMENT
Army generals all shouting things like “come join the army” “help fight for our country!” with posters, etc
Army General (Cooper) Okay gentlemen, I’ll take it from here. * all other soldiers line up along the stage*
Army General: (Cooper)We are gathered here today for the greatest opportunity you will ever receive in your life, the opportunity to serve and protect your country. Today, I give you the opportunity to become a hero. If you think you are brave enough to conquer the enemy, enlist today in the Canadian Army. *cheering*
PROJECTIONS - images of soldiers at Vimy Ridge and details of the battle
VIMY RIDGE
V/O After months of planning and strategizing, the Battle of Vimy Ridge began at 5:30 a.m. on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917.
(Tableau of General Byng and other military officials strategizing on a map)
V/O The first wave of 20,000 Canadian soldiers, each carrying up to 36 kilograms of equipment, attacked through the wind-driven snow and sleet into the face of deadly machine gun fire.
(Tableau of soldiers with packs in tableaux depicting the difficulty of walking with all their equipment against the wind and snow.)
Dawson (sitting, writing in a journal) April 10th, 1917. It’s the first day of battle in Vimy Ridge, morale is high even though we lost a few men. for the first time all four of our Canadian divisions came at the enemy full force. It felt exhilarating - these are my brothers in arms, all fighting for the same thing.we will fight and we will win! For Canada!
(Tableau of soldiers in good spirits sharing a canteen)
Dawson April 11th, 1917. I saw a man blow up right in front of me, later we found out it was Patrick.
(Tableau of mortally wounded Patrick on the ground, George being held back screaming)
He had a wife, Judy and some kids waiting at home, he always talked about seeing them again and now… I could have been blown up as well, if it weren't for James pulling me back… I owe him my life but… it should have been Patrick; he saved me.
(Tableau of two soldiers giving the wife Patrick’s pocket watch)
V/O The Canadian Corps, together with the British Corps to the south, had captured more ground, prisoners and guns than any previous British offensive of the war. Canadians would act with courage throughout the battle. Four Canadians would earn the Victoria Cross, our country’s highest medal for military valour.
(Cooper awards four soldiers with the medals, saluting each of them)
Dawson April 12th, 1917. We won the battle. There were 15,000 of us on the first day and now? Only 4,402 made it through alive.
(Tableau of an injured soldier being carried off)
Dawson So many are dead or injured, and me? I’m fine. I’m fine and James doesn’t have an arm. I’m fine, while 6 men around me got shot down. I survived and I wish I hadn’t! … We won… but at what cost?
PROJECTION - image of Flanders Fields and English version of the poem
(Crew sets several white crosses) French Immersion students recite “In Flanders Fields”
WORLD WAR 2
PROJECTION - dates
LYING TO ENLIST (JULY 4, 1941)
Samantha: (Miles) (to audience) Girls can’t fight, they say. We can fix machines, cut down trees, heal the wounded, and run farms while all the men are away, but they don’t think we can shoot a gun? The Soviets let women fight, so do the Romanians; I have as much right to defend my country as they do, and just as much as any man.
Recruiter: (stamps a piece of paper, and dismisses the person they just finished recruiting) Next.
Alex Sim(Samir): (moves to the front of the lineup and approaches the table)
Recruiter: How can I help you, son?
Alex Sim(Samir): I’d like to join the Army, sir.
Recruiter: And your age?
Alex Sim (Samir): 18.
Recruiter: Well, son, you have to be 18 and a 1/2 to go overseas.
Alex Sim(Samir): Oh well I... (stuttering, trailing off)
Recruiter: Why don’t you walk around the block and think about that.
Alex Sim(Samir): Will do, sir.
Recruiter: Next. (looking down)
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) (clears throat puts watch in pocket) Good afternoon, sir. I’m Sam Thompson and I would like to enlist in the Royal Canadian army.
Recruiter: How old are you, son? (looks up)
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) I’m 19.
Recruiter: (studies her for a moment) It is son, isn’t it?
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) Yes, sir. Of course.
Recruiter: Alright, we’re just going to need a few more pieces of information from you, so I’ll get you to proceed to the registration table down that way. Welcome aboard, Sam, you will be serving your country before you know it.
Samantha Thompson: (Miles) (nods) Thank you very much. (proceeds across stage)
Recruiter: Next!
Blake: You can go next. You, too. (moves to back of line)
Alex Sim(Samir): (enters, approaches Recruiter) Hello sir, my name is Alex Simm and I would like to join the army.
Recruiter: Age?
Alex Sim(Samir): I’m 19 years old.
Recruiter: That’s better.
PROJECTIONS - famous images of D-Day
D-DAY
(Three girls are sitting on the stage with text books)
Delainey My great uncle enlisted when he was only 16.
Jenna How did he do that? I thought they had to be at least 18?
Delainey He used his older brother’s ID, and he was even with the Canadian forces in 1944 when they landed on Juno Beach.
Shayna That was on June 6th. My grandfather was there too.
Jenna So was mine. He said it was the most terrifying experience of his life. What about your great uncle? What did he say about that day?
Delainey He couldn’t say anything. He didn’t make it to the beach.
Jenna Oh.
Shayna Do you know what happened to him?
Delainey Our family was told that he was shot right after he stepped off the boat.
Jenna My grandfather said he’d never forget the colour of the water.
Shayna What do you mean?
Jenna It was blood red when it washed up on the shore.
(pause)
Delainey What happened to him when he got to the beach?
Jenna He could only go forward, so he had to keep running straight into the gunfire.
Shanya The pictures I’ve seen show there were bodies everywhere.
Jenna Luckily, he made it to safety, and he said that every day after that was like dessert.
(pause and nod in understanding)
Delainey What about your grandfather?
Shayna He refused to talk about it.
PROJECTION - women with airplanes
NIGHT WITCHES
Mother So Tonya, my little one, will it be a song or a story tonight?
Tonya A story, about you in the War. Before you and dad came to Canada
M Well then, it won’t be a happy tale. Are you sure you want to hear it?
T Yes, mama.
M So. Right when the War began, I was at school in St Petersburg, studying to be a doctor. But I left when I learned that they were enlisting women to fight as pilots, and since I had flown sometimes as a girl, I thought they might take me. They did, and I was put into the 588th Night Bomber squadron. We were all women, Tonya, some of us as young as seventeen.
T Only seventeen?
M It wasn’t easy for us at first. The young men made fun of us and we were given little old rattling planes that weren’t even built for war, but we learned to be the best pilots in all of Russia. One night like many others, I was sent out with two other crews to ambush enemy pilots who were planning to bomb our base. We crept up behind them, but the canvas on the plane’s wings began to come loose, so I had to leave my friend at the controls as I crawled out onto the wing to hold it together.
T You did?
M (nods) She steered us above the enemy and turned off the engine so all they could hear was the swish of the wind, like a broomstick. They called us the Night Witches for that, and we wore the name with pride.
T What did you do then?
M We blew them to bits and flew out if there as fast as we could. Once we landed, I was covered in frost like a January tree.
T Wow.
M Those were strange days, Tonya. They were so afraid of us that any of their soldiers who shot us down would be given an Iron Cross.
T Really? They were scared even though you were girls.
M Especially because we were girls. They never guessed how dangerous we could be. But enough of that, little one. Bedtime for you now.
T Goodnight.
M Goodnight.
PROJECTIONS - Amid t he horrors of the holocaust there were still examples of kindness and compassion
HOLOCAUST
(A young man looks out the window while his parents have a hushed conversation. On the floor in front of them are three children sitting beside a chair. The boy is reading, the youngest girl is playing with a doll, and the oldest girl is combing her hair)
YG Do you think we'll ever get caught?
OG Don’t even think that way.
B The Abrams have done so much for us, they’re risking their safety to give us a safe place to hide
YG Don’t you ever wonder what’s going to happen? (they freeze)
(Mrs Abram nods to her husband who starts pacing. She turns to the audience)
Mrs. Abram: Since the day we moved into this town the Goldsteins were so kind to us. So when the children came home to find their parents had been taken away, we knew we had to protect them. We’ve been hiding them for about 6 months, but now they’ve started searching houses, and I’m scared that we’ll be next. I wouldn’t change the decision we made but I know if they are found, it will cost not only their lives but ours as well.
(Mrs Abram moves to the chiair and begins to braid the older girl's hair. The young man at the window sees something outside.)
YM Papa. They're coming.
(Mr Abram rushes to window and looks out. He turns to Mrs Abram and nods. She hurries the children down the steps to hide)
Mrs Abram (whispering): Quickly quickly. You must be quiet now. It’s going to be alright.
B: Thank you for everything you’ve done. (they hide behind the steps)
(Loud footsteps are heard followed by pounding and noises of the search)
YG What will happen if they find us?
PROJECTION - children in the concentration camp
(black out)
PROJECTION - Soldiers holding a newspaper about V-E Day
VE DAY
(We hear a recording of Winston Churchill's broadcast from V-E Day. Lights up on Hanna, Jenna, seated and listening to the broadcast. When it ends, they jump up crying and hugging and laughing. Shayna enters carrying groceries)
Sh What is it? What’s happened?
H He’s coming home
Sh Who’s coming home? What are you talking about?
J Haven’t you heard? The war is over!
H John will be home soon.
(All hug as lights crossfade to boss at desk. Secretary runs in.)
Delainey Is it really true, Mr. Brown?
Cooper Is what true?
Delainey They say the war is ended.
Cooper Well then we’d better close the office Miss Franklin, and go find out for ourselves.
(Crossfade to large group reading news ticker and celebrating. One sailor dips a nurse and everyone freezes as we see projection of the famous photo from Times Square.)
PROJECTION - Sailor dips nurse in Times Square
(Black out. All exit in the dark except Hanna who is holding a letter and looking shocked. Jenna walks to her.)
J Is that a letter from John? Does he say when he’s coming home?
H He’s not coming home.
J What do you mean he’s not coming home? The war’s over, remember?
H This letter says he was killed in action two days before it ended.
(black out)
PROJECTIONS - KOREA - THE FORGOTTEN WAR, Details of the BATTLE OF KAPYONG, Image of 2PPCLI before the Battle of Kapyong
PROJECTIONS - Information about peacekeeping and the dangers involved, a collage of the Rwandan genocide
PEACEKEEPING - RWANDA
PTSD
(Peacekeeping soldiers aboard a plane taking them home at the end of their deployment.)
A (Nate) Glad to be in the air. It’ll be good to be home again.
B (Samir) Home.
C (Delainey) Not sorry to say goodbye to this mission, that’s for sure.
A You’re right. Glad it’s over.
B (to himself) It’s over.
A Sure not like the stories my grandfather told me about his time in the second world war.
C Those guys made a difference. Long line of soldiers in your family?
A All the way back to my Great Grandfather in World War One. Died in the trenches. (shows others the pocket watch) This was his.
C (to B) Have a family back home?
B (lost in thought and doesn’t respond)
C (again to B) Hey. Have any family?
B Me? Just my parents. And my dog.
A What’s her name?
B He’s a boy. His name is Zack.
C He’ll be happy to see you.
(Something drops (offstage) and they all jump, but no one says anything at first. We begin to hear (voice overs?) each of the soldiers talk about what they’ve endured.)
A Even the smallest sound terrifies me now. After all I’ve seen, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to really relax again.
B (to himself) Keep it together. Keep it together. Keep it together.
C The fear in their faces. What was left of their bodies. How can human beings do such horrific things to one another. To the children. There was no humanity in them. Only hatred.
A How did they expect us to keep the peace when we were prevented from doing anything that could stop the killing?
C We weren’t peacekeepers. We were witnesses.
crossfade to soldier A scene (Nate + wife + child)
(Wife and child are sitting watching a movie. Daniel is standing behind them, listening, playing with pocket watch)
Child (to Mom) I wish Dad would watch the movie with us tonight.
Wife I know. We just have to give him time.
Child How much time? It’s no different than when he was away. He doesn’t do anything with us anymore.
WIfe He had dinner with us tonight.
Child And then he went back out into the garage. He’s like a different person.
Wife He’s still your dad. We should be glad just to have him back in one piece. I’m going to get us a snack. (gets up and sees Dad)
Dad (trying to be cheerful) That was the best meal I’ve had in awhile.
Wife Well I’m happy you enjoyed it. We’re watching a movie. Do you think you’d like to join us.
Dad Sure.
Wife Would you like something to drink?
Dad Yes, please. (sits with child) This is a pretty cool movie, eh?
(Popcorn starts popping and Daniel becomes anxious and unsettled)
Child Yeah…
(Popcorn starts popping faster and louder and in his head it turns into gunfire.)
Dad Ahhh! I can’t stand it! Make it stop.
Wife Daniel?! What’s going on?!
Child Dad? It’s just popcorn, Dad.
crossfade to soldier B scene (Samir + mom + dad)
(Kevin being greeted by his parents while he’s looking around for his dog.)
Mom We’re so happy to have you home, sweetheart.
(He extracts himself from his mother’s embrace)
Dad (shaking his hand then giving him a hug) We’re so proud of you son.
Kevin Where’s Zack? I thought you were going to bring him?
Mom Oh, Kevin. I know this isn’t a great time to tell you this, but there’ll never be a good time.
Kevin Where is he? Is he alright?
Dad Zack is really sick and the vet says he hasn’t got very long.
Kevin (starting to lose it) Are you telling me he’s dying?
Dad He’s in a lot of pain and we all think it would be for the best if you...
Kevin (getting more angry) What are you saying?
Dad We think you should...put him out of his misery.
Kevin (really angry now) So you want to kill him? When someone is sick your answer is to kill them?
Mom Well, no, but...
Dad It’s not fair to let him suffer...we waited until you got back...
Mom ...so you could say goodbye.
Kevin (trying to get it under control) I don’t know. I don’t know if I can do this.
Dad Please son.
Mom He can’t go on another day like this.
Kevin (Starts sobbing) Why does everything have to end in death? All the violence, all the killing. It is never going to get easier! I asked you to look after him! I’m over there trying to keep people from killing each other, and now I’m home and looking for something normal and you tell me my dog is...all I have are the memories of...all those people. The ones I cared for and the ones who cared for me. They were suffering! They were in pain! They’re nothing but ashes now. I can’t do it. I can’t take it.
crossfade to soldier C scene (Delainey + doctor)
C When people think of peacekeeping, they may not realize just how little peace there is to keep.
Dr It must be very, very hard to cope with, even now, if it’s led you to thoughts of suicide.
C Rwanda is a country of around 8 million people, mostly divided into two main tribes: the Hutus and the Tutsis. The nation had gone through decades of ethnic violence and by 1990 these conflicts had turned into a full blown civil war.
Dr And that‘s when you arrived?
C It was later, and much, much worse. I came to Rwanda on a peacekeeping mission in late 1993. It was in April 1994 when the violence escalated. A 100 day massacre occurred and I found myself caught in a chaotic conflict war zone that would never end. It was at that time, I felt hopeless. I could never accept the fact that I couldn’t intervene. It felt like watching people die was my job... it wasn’t right.
Dr Do you have any support in your personal life?
C I joined the military as soon as I could. It feels as if it’s all I’ve ever known. Ten years of my life have been dedicated to my country, but my sacrifice has been more than I ever expected.
Dr What do you mean?
C I never did end up having a family and due to my...instability, I haven’t been able to hold down a job. I’ve lost my friends, my home, my everything. It’s just so hard to find the help I need, or even a reason to keep going.
Dr It sometimes seems like society forgets to express its gratitude unless it’s November 11th and they’re wearing a poppy.
PROJECTION - Soldiers with a Christmas tree in Afghanistan
CHRISTMAS DINNER
(Dad and two daughters sit around a table on Christmas Eve with an empty seat at the end of the table representing the absence of the mother.)
Daughter 1:(Mariah) Is mom gonna be home for Christmas morning dad?
Dad (Dawson) : No I’m sorry honey, she won’t be able to make it tomorrow.
Daughter 2: (Amy) WHY NOT!!! Why won’t they let her come home!?!
Dad:(Dawson) You know she’s still in Afghanistan working to keep us safe.
Daughter 1:(Mariah) I miss her, what do you think she is doing dad?
Dad: (Dawson) I’m not sure sweetie…
(Crossfade to Mom in Afghanistan)
(Soldiers gathered around, Mel is only woman (extra (2-3) soldiers that won't have any lines)
Mel (Hannah): Everyone listen up. We’re going to enter the building through the north gate. As soon as we’re in, move towards the back corridor. Stay low and watch your back. The Taliban won’t hesitate to put a bullet through your skull. You see them, you shoot.Soldier 1(Cooper): We need to be fast and efficient. We get in, and we get out. No messing around.
Mel: (Hannah) (pulls out pocket watch, kisses it, and returns it to pocket) Let’s go.
(group of soldiers move into “building”, show Taliban hiding within the building.)
(Crossfade to Christmas Eve at Home)
Daughter 2: (Amy) She should be here! It’s Christmas! This is stupid!! I hate this! I hate her!!
Dad: (Dawson) Don’t say that, please sweetie. Sit down and let’s eat…
Daughter 2: (Amy) NO! I’m leaving! (swipes plates and cups off of table)
Daughter 1:(Mariah) I just want mom to be here! (starts to cry) It’s Christmas Eve and mom isn’t even here with us. (starts crying even harder)
(Dad is silent but reaches over and grabs daughter 1’s hand)
Dad: (Dawson) She will hopefully be home soon honey.
Daughter 1: I just don’t want her to be all alone on Christmas.
(Crossfade to Mom in Afghanistan - soldiers moving through building)
Mel Hannah: We’re not in here alone, be ready.
(Mel comes around corner and is confronted by attacker)
Soldier 1: (Cooper) Take cover!
(shooting between soldiers and Taliban)
(Taliban member throws grenade, explodes, and kills Mel who dies holding the pocket watch)
PROJECTION - Soldiers on patrol walking away from the camera
IED EXPLOSIVES
(Dawson, Blake, Samir, Hannah, Nate ,Brooke)
(Unit 4 is at previous destination waiting for orders)
Major(Miles): Where are we headed next General?
General(samir): We are heading to Korengal Valley to help out Unit 3. They’re being hit with heavy fire and bombs and need some assistance.
Lieutenant: (Blake) Alright, men you heard the General grab your gear, we’re headed to Korengal Valley let’s move out.
(crossfade to soldiers walking to their next destination)
Brigadier#1(Nate ): This is my first mission, sir. I don’t know what to expect? Brigadier#2(Dawson):(to brigadier #1) I bet we will just walk right in…
Brigadier #1 (Nate) (to General) What are our objectives, sir?
General: (Samir) I want you to keep a keen eye out for any enemy vehicles or any enemy gunners, they will be everywhere.
(After walking most of the destination they were nearing where Unit 3 was under fire. You can hear shouting and yelling from Unit 3)
Lieutenant: (Blake) You hear that sir, should we start to pick it up?
General: (Samir) Let’s pick up the pace! We need to be there pronto.
Brigadier #2(Dawson): I can’t wait until we can just go home. I can’t stand this.
Major: (Miles) Keep it close.
(Entering the enemy territory and then boom IED goes off)
Brigadier #2(Dawson) Screaming in pain as he has been hit.
General:(Samir) EVERYONE GET DOWN!!!
Brigadier#1: (Nate) Take cover!
Lieutenant: (Blake) Brigadier #1 (Nate) come help me bring him over to the ditch!
General: (Samir) Where is the Major? Where is he damn it! Everyone look for him! Lieutenant stay with Brigadier #2.
Brigadier#1:(Nate) General. Over here.
(On the other side of the road was Major and had bleed out for the damage)
(Scene goes dark)
General: (Samir) Bless that man’s soul
(crossfade to hospital scene)
(Brigadier #2 wakes up in hospital slowly but soon realises he has lost a limb)
Brigadier#2(Dawson): WHAT HAPPENED TO ME? DOCTOR!?
(Doctor comes in the the room to calm patient down)
Doctor(Brooke): It was an IED explosion. You’ve had major surgery and we were able to save part of your leg.
Brigadier#2(Dawson): .I can’t believe it...My life has been flipped upside down. It will never be the same never again.
PROJECTIONS - soldier saying goodbye to family
A SOLDIER’S WIFE
(Jenna) I hate to watch.
(Shayna) Each time you leave.
(Delainey) And I hide from you how much I grieve.
(Jenna) I know it’s your duty.
(Shayna) And you will go.
(Amy) But once you are gone,
(Delainey) I miss you so.
(Claire) I know you’ll come home.
(Mariah) As soon as you can.
(Aly) But right now you’ll deploy
(Hanna) like an honorable man.
(Amy) So I’ll keep things together.
(Hannah) Despite how hard it may be.
(Aly) But this is where you belong.
(Hannah) Not some desert overseas.
(Mariah) Yet, I do understand
(Hanna) why you risk your life.
(Claire) For that’s a soldier’s job.
(All) And I am a soldier’s wife.
PROJECTION - definition of barbaric
ISIS: PRISONERS OF WAR
Scenario: Woman soldier (Jessica) held captive in ISIS prison sitting cuddling a scrap of blanket when a child comes in the the stall behind her and starts to speak.
Child (Claire) (yelling for help)
Jessica (Mariah) Shh be quiet, you’ll disturb them, it will just cause you more harm.
Child (Claire) How long have you been in here for?
Jessica (Mariah) Long enough to know how things work around here. Don’t speak unless you’ve been spoken to, and even then don’t speak too much. Don’t look them in the eyes, never ask them for a favor, and no matter what, never ask them what they’re going to do to us.
Child (Claire) Why, what are they going to do to us?
Jessica (Mariah) Don’t worry about that, everything will be okay.
Child (Claire) I’m so cold.
Jessica (Mariah) Here, you can share my blanket.
Child (Claire) Thank you. It makes me feel safe.
*Blanket gets ripped out of Jessica's hand*
(Child gets dragged off by ISIS soldiers, soldiers covering mouth)
Jessica(Mariah) What’s wrong are you okay? (pause) Hello?
(A few seconds pass)
Prisoner 1 (Dawson) *Wakes up* What is it? Are they coming? What’s wrong?
Jessica(Mariah) The girl, they took the girl away. What’s going to happen to her??
Prisoner 1 (Dawson) A fate worse than death.
PROJECTION - young girl with a man's hand over her mouth
FORCED MARRIAGE
GIRL 1 (Brooke) My nightmare began when some men from my village handed me and my family over to ISIS fighters as we were trying to flee the area. I was separated from my parents and taken to a house where other abducted young women were being kept.
GIRL 2 (Aly) We were on our way to the school. They had blocked our path to safety, and there was nothing we could do. I never felt so helpless in my eighteen years.
GIRL 3 (Claire) They divided us into groups by gender and age: one for young and capable men, another for girls and young women, and a third for older men and women. They placed the girls and women in trucks and as they drove us away. We heard gunshots. Later we learned that they were killing the young men, including my husband.
GIRL 4 (Shayna) The guards separated the married from unmarried women.
GIRL 5 (Hanna) They made a lottery of our names and started to choose by drawing out the names.
GIRL 6 (Delainey) The men would come and select us. They would tell us to stand up. They would examine our bodies, and tell us to show our hair. Sometimes they beat the girls if they refused.
GIRL 7 (Jenna) My friend and I were given as a gift to two Islamic State members from the south.
GIRL 8 (Amy) The ISIS fighter who selected me slapped me and dragged me of the house as I begged him not to touch me.
GIRL 9 (Hannah) We tried to kill ourselves. We had found what we thought was poison, and we mixed it with some water and drank it. None of us died, but we all got sick.
GIRL 10 (Mariah) He burned me with cigarettes on my shoulders, my stomach and my legs. I was in so much pain.
GIRL 1 (Brooke) We tried to escape.
GIRL 2 (Aly) We knew that if we got caught we’d be killed.
GIRL 3 (Claire) So be it.
GIRL 4 (Shayna) We just wanted to end the torture.
GIRL 5 (Hanna) Before I was able to get away, I had been owned by seven ISIS fighters.
GIRL 6 (Delainey) They tell you you will have a nice house...
GIRL 7 (Jenna) ...a husband, money, everything a 15-year-old would want.
GIRL 8 (Amy) Don’t believe them. It is all lies.
GIRL 9 (Hannah) You will be raped and beaten and sold to other men.
GIRL 10(Mariah) They are criminals, and women are nothing.
CIVILIANS OR TERRORISTS
VOICE OVERS
Ryan: Fire Team Charlie to HQ. We have a crowd of civilians inside the plaza. Please advise.
Samir: Fire Team Charlie, this is HQ. Are these civilians armed? Over.
Ryan: Negative, HQ. Civilians look unarmed. Over.
Blake: Sir, another group of civilians moving in on our right.
Ryan: Fire Team Charlie to HQ. Possible hostiles incoming. Over.
Samir: Are they armed, Lieutenant?
Blake: Looks like something’s under their clothes.
Ryan: Fire Team Charlie to Q. They may be concealing weapons.
Samir: Fire Team Charlie, stand by. (Short pause)
Blake: They are advancing on us.
Ryan: They are armed. Confirmed they are -
(static is heard)
“THE PARTING GLASS” is sung by the SKSS choir as…
(We see the large Thompson headstone and several white crosses downstage. Each of the dead Thompsons enter and walk to the family memorial to stand behind their own cross. When the song ends, the mother and child enter and walk to the memorial.)
Child You mean that my grandpa was there?
Mom: Yes…(teary eyed and wipes tears) he was brave just like my grandpa was too
Child These were all people in our family.
Mom Yes..
Child I hope there will never be any more.
Mom Me too…
(They place the pocket watch at the grave)
PROJECTION - National War Memorial
STAND ON GUARD FOR THEE
(Delainey) Today we would like to thank the armed forces personnel from our student cadets to our war heroes. Over the past century we have lost many lives in the fight for our country. They were not in vain but in bravery. Warfare has changed from our enemies being recognizable to indistinguishable. Last year the brave Corporal Nathan Cirillo lost his life on duty, as he was standing on guard at our War Memorial in Ottawa. This attack happened on our own soil by one of our own people. He stood on guard that day, we must all stand on guard for thee.
“LAST POST” AND “THE ROUSE” performed by MacKenzie on the trumpet