Every military headstone in Fraser Cemetery received a poppy by hundreds of New Westminster students this week to remember them.
No Stone Left Alone is a ceremony coinciding with Remembrance Day, Nov. 11, that encourages kids and youth to honour Canadian service members that never made it home.
On Thursday morning, Nov. 7, more than 600 students in Grades 2 to 7 participated in the eighth annual event, along with city councillors, community dignitaries, and soldiers and cadets of The Royal Westminster Regiment.
They're asked to read the name on the headstone out loud, along with study dates and other details as a sign of respect.
"It was impressive and emotional to witness the commitment from students as they walked from schools, entered the cemetery and participated with intense and quiet respect," said Karen Baker-MacGrotty, chair of No Stone Left Alone — New Westminster and former Honorary Colonel of the Royal Westminster Regiment, in a news release.
"Learning about our past helps shape the future. It enables our next generation to understand the importance of remembrance for those who paid the ultimate price."
Students in attendance represented (in alphabetical order):
- École Herbert Spencer Elementary
- F.W. Howay Elementary
- Glenbrook Middle School
- Skwo:wech Elementary
Remembrance Day in New West
Meanwhile, New West residents are invited to attend the community's free Nov. 11 ceremony on Monday at the city hall cenotaph — located at 511 Royal Ave.
Those that can't make it can livestream the coverage starting at 10:25 a.m. on Facebook or YouTube.
For more information, you can visit the City of New Westminster's website.
With a file from Theresa McManus, New West Record
What's going on in New West on the Remembrance Day long weekend? https://t.co/bSuzXkytHy
— The Record (@TheRecord) November 8, 2024
