Aldershot School students in Grade 8 and 10 took part in last week’s moving
No Stone Left Alone ceremony at Woodland Cemetery in Burlington. It is an event to honour the sacrifice and service of Canada’s military by educating students and having them place poppies on the 825 headstones of veterans every November.
“By participating in a special ceremony of remembrance, students develop the virtues of respect, leadership, citizenship, responsibility and gratitude,” says Kerry Sagar, teacher at Aldershot School and one of the event co-organizers. “They engage with members of the greater community, along with members of Canada’s military through this intergenerational and inspirational hands-on experience.”
Maria McLellan, principal of Aldershot School, says a sombre event like this teaches students the sacrifices members of the military have made, and continue to make, for our freedom.
“No Stone Left Alone is a national program which increases the awareness of young people about Remembrance Day and the significance of poppies for Canadians at this time of year,” she says. “It is very powerful to be standing behind a grave in the cold and to remember the Canadians that are buried here. Listening to the speakers reinforces the importance of remembering those who died for our country.”
It is important for young people to remember Canada's military history because “Canadians have so many freedoms today due to young men and women having served in our wars,” McLellan says. “There were tremendous sacrifices and untold grief for families. It is so important for our students to understand the effects of war and to honour the dead in this way.”
Sagar explains
No Stone Left Alone connects to the Grade 10 history and Grade 8 social studies curriculum.
“After participation in the event, students reflect on how this experience has deepened their understanding, empathy and compassion for all who served, serve and will serve,” she says, explaining
No Stone Left Alone inspires leadership, peace and pride. “Participation in
No Stone Left Alone does all of this while highlighting and honouring our Canadian military history and sacrifice.”
