Wartime School Events

The school events and public events that Surrey high schools were involved in demonstrate nationalistic ideas. Surrey students typically took part in the yearly International Peace Arch service, which celebrated peace between Canada and the United States, along with other students from British Columbia as well as students from Washington State. Cadet displays were a prominent part of these ceremonies, alongside real military branches. In 1941 a student from Semiahmoo High School was picked over the candidates from the other two Surrey high schools to be “Miss Canada” and be part of the demonstration with an American boy, “Uncle Sam” as a show of the “friendly co-operation which exists between these neighbors.”¹

High school students also took part in Victory Loan ceremonies. Student representatives from all three high schools took part in the opening ceremony for the Third Victory Loan and assisted in raising the pledge flag. Lord Tweedsmuir students performed “patriotic songs and dances” at the opening of the Fifth Victory Loan. Other Victory Loan openings took place at Lord Tweedsmuir, with one occurring at a school concert. When discussing the decision to hold the ceremony here Reeve Brown commented “It is fitting that our younger generation should play their part and share in the responsibility attending such a vital undertaking affecting our whole country.”²