Beechwood Cemetery brings students, community together to honour fallen soldiers

Ottawa's National Military Cemetery at Beechwood hosted the 8th annual No Stone Left Alone event, where elementary school students, Canadian Armed Forces members and community members gathered to remember Canada's fallen soldiers.

During the ceremony, students placed poppies on individual headstones as a gesture of respect and remembrance.

"We have to celebrate them. And honor them for their courage," said Grade 6 student Mia Tkaczyk.

"We put poppies on their headstones to show that we are grateful for their sacrifices."

The ceremony gives students a chance to reflect on what the soldiers gave to their country and put it in writing once they get back to class.

"It’s sometimes very emotional to read because they've put a lot of thought. And this brings it to reality. These people went out and they fought, but now we kind of know where they're resting. So, it makes an impact that way," said Danielle McCarthy, principal of Saint Francois d'Assise.

Nick McCarthy, director of communications at Beechwood Cemetery, says it's important for kids to learn the action of remembrance.

"Having people come out to the cemetery and having kids learn that action of remembrance, I think that's why it's important, why it's better for them to really understand the reason of wearing a poppy, understand why we actually hold remembrance ceremonies," he said.

Supported by the 76 Communications Regiment, the event encourages young people to learn about the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers. Many students said they now have a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made.

"It's important so we could remember and respect all the soldiers who have died for us," said Grade 5 student Naira Magjhani.

"We want them to see that we like what they did for our country," said Grade 6 student Willem Ball.

Similar ceremonies are being held across Canada and the world, highlighting the importance of preserving military history for future generations.

"The goal of No Stone Left Alone is to place a poppy on every military headstone across the country," said McCarthy.

"Ontario has seen tremendous growth. A lot of the cemeteries in Ontario have adopted it. And then across Canada we have seen a lot of growth as well. And we're seeing allied cemeteries across the world slowly starting to do the poppy ceremony as well."