Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Students took time to remember the sacrifices of Jasper鈥檚 veterans during 11th annual No Stone Left Alone on Nov. 7, just ahead of Remembrance Day.
Officially launched in 2011, No Stone Left Alone is a national organization dedicated to honouring the sacrifice and service of Canada鈥檚 military by educating students and placing poppies on the headstones of veterans every November.
Due to the cold weather, students from 脡cole Desrochers and Jasper Junior/Senior High School instead participated in an indoor event this year at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion.
Jasper Legion vice president Greg Key read a message from Maureen Bianchini-Purvis, No Stone Left Alone Foundation鈥檚 founder and president.
鈥淎s you go forward in this ceremony, show your gratitude to the words that will be spoken to the act of placing the poppy, and when you say their name, reflect on the service of that military member you are about to honour,鈥� Bianchini-Purvis stated in her message.
鈥淭heir loved ones thank you. We all thank you. We are together in this mission. By being here today, let鈥檚 shine a beacon of hope for our future that we will continue to strive for peace and stability and be forever grateful for our safety and security, lest we forget.鈥�
Mayor Richard Ireland spoke to students how No Stone Left Alone was about honouring veterans and passing on this tradition to the next generation.
鈥淵our parent鈥檚 generation, my generation, had the benefit of previous generations that spared us the need to go off to war. We have fewer veterans now, because we鈥檝e had so much more peace. It鈥檚 opportune to honour and respect the veterans that gave that to us.鈥�
Rev. Linda McLaren said she was not aware of what No Stone Left Alone was before being asked to speak this year, giving her the opportunity to learn more about the program.
鈥淲e know that fighting in a war is never easy, and that the choice for peace is always the first choice. That鈥檚 why we take time to remember those who served. It鈥檚 why this ceremony, No Stone Left Alone, is so important.鈥�
Following the remarks, students were asked to commit to memory the locations of the gravesites where they will place poppies in the spring once the snow melts.
