Flight Corporal Kerr places a poppy on the headstone of a fallen veteran in the Lloydminster Cemetery on Saturday morning as part of this year’s No Stone Left Alone ceremony. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Border City residents of all ages took time to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during this year’s No Stone Left Alone ceremony.
Held last Saturday at the Lloydminster Cemetery, roughly 200 people gathered for a short service before poppies were placed on the headstones of fallen veterans, ensuring no veteran is forgotten.
The No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation is a group out of Sherwood Park dedicated to honouring the sacrifice and service of Canada’s military by educating students and placing poppies on the headstones of veterans every November.
Piper Susan Stefanuk leads 186 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets into the Lloydminster Cemetery during No Stone Left Alone. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
This year’s ceremony marked a nine-year tradition Lloydminster site representative, Amy Hrynchuk, is hoping to see continue to grow.
“This is probably the largest turnout we’ve ever had,” said Hrynchuk. “There should be about 105 youth from Ecole St. Thomas, girl guide chapters, as well as the 186 Air Cadet Squadron.
“We’re also lucky enough to have two members of the Canadian Armed Forces here with us today.”
Hrynchuk explained the importance of the day is centred around getting kids more involved and to better understand Remembrance Day.
“They know those names represent actual people, not just soldiers’ names on paper. They’re seeing the headstone and they can look into the history of that veteran,” she said.
“It brings more meaning to them when compared to sitting through a Remembrance Day ceremony.”
Heather Klages, acting Padre with the Royal Canadian Legion #39, was also pleased with this year’s turnout of supporters.
“It’s so important to remember the ultimate and the incredible sacrifice so many people made for our country. We enjoy so many freedoms because of what they sacrificed for us, so it’s important to take that moment to remember,” she said.
