A day to remember and honour those who fought, and still fight, to maintain freedom Remembrance Day at U of T was marked by the Service of Remembrance at The Soldiers’ Tower. Bloomberg Nursing Lecturer, and member of the 25 Field Ambulance unit Captain Jana Lok gave a heartfelt reading as students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters and veterans of all ages and races came to pay their respects. Organized by the Soldiers’ Tower Committee of the University of Toronto, this annual service of remembrance provides a poignant reminder of the work undertaken by Canada’s veterans, and serves as a memorial to the 1,185 members of the U of T community who lost their lives in WWI and WWII.
Lok, a U of T nursing graduate who has been part of the 25 Field Ambulance unit for over 15 years, read about the Second World War – Italian Campaign and reminded the throng of attendees of the contribution Canada made in defeating Fascism. Only one of two invited readers, Lok spoke of the victories and losses endured throughout the Campaign. The second reader, Captain Tyler Wentzell of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, read the renowned In Flanders Fields. Written by U of T graduate Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, this U of T graduate died of pneumonia on service in 1918.
An undergraduate student at the University of Toronto when she joined the unit, Lok graduated with a double major in Neuroscience and Music History (Honours). Her involvement with the 25 Field Ambulance unit inspired Lok to pursue a career in nursing, which she has excelled at since 2004.
“Speaking at the Service was a special honour as it was an opportunity to commemorate our veterans but also an opportunity to represent nursing,” said Lok, who receives her PhD at this November’s Convocation. “I might not be in nursing today had it not been for the military, and the growth I’ve gained in the nursing profession has come from many remarkable experiences I’ve been fortunate to undertake in the unit.”
As a nursing officer and a clinical training officer in the 25 Field Ambulance unit, Lok has worked in leadership and medical roles within the unit, engaged in local and international training opportunities and planned, implemented and evaluated numerous medical training programs. Currently Lok serves as the Officer Commanding Medical Company with over 50 medical personnel under her direct command. A recipient of the Commanding Officer’s Recognition for Best Junior Officer, the Canadian Decoration (CD) and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for her role with the Canadian Forces Health Services, Lok has served her country and the nursing community to the fullest extent.
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