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I was invited by Benson Ma, a young university student, police youth volunteer and army cadet, to join the Remembrance Day assembly at his former hight school, Dr. Norman Bethune Business and Technical Institute.

As I entered the building, I could not believe the number of students wearing poppies or the extent of Remembrance Day displays that adorned the halls and the library.

The discipline of the almost 1,400 students, the 100-voice choir, the 120-piece band, the skits, the power-point presentations, the pictures and song of the Highway of Heroes, the stories, the poems, the soloist and all the other tributes, left me speechless, teary, and so very, very proud of our youth.

As I was escorted to the stage by two cadets to place a wreath, I could imagine the pride our casualties of the wars would have for this new generation of proud Canadians.

Another former student of the school, Nader Hijazi, is now serving in Afghanistan, and the students have made a banner with our flag in the centre. It has been signed by more than 800 students and staff. It will be delivered to him on the field of battle.

Scarborough's youth sometimes get bad press, but what I saw on this Nov. 11 has given me a lot of hope for our future.

We will soon be turning our country over to today's young people, and I for one have faith that they will nurture our reputation on the world stage, so all Canadians can continue to be proud and stand tall.

I would like to express my gratitude to Benson, and the youth and staff of Dr. Norman Bethune BTI for allowing me to be part of their day of respect.

Murray Hedges