A couple of MUN students have planned a rally outside the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s tomorrow in support of including the Ode to Newfoundland at Memorial University convocation ceremonies.

Memorial University was created as a living memorial to members of the Newfoundland Regiment killed in WWI.

The university dropped the Ode from convocation ceremonies last year, and decided to eschew the provincial anthem again this year while it decides on a path forward. That sparked the ire of many for whom the Ode is an important part of the Newfoundland cultural identity, and a tribute to those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

Convocation ceremonies are taking place at the Arts and Culture Centre in St. John’s starting this week, and some have already vowed they will sing the Ode.

Co-organizer of tomorrow’s event, Matthew Antle, says they wanted to provide an opportunity to let MUN administration know what the Ode means, and to consider that in future decision making.

The rally, which was organized through social media, is getting a big response. “Overwhelmingly positive,” says Antle.