Children lay poppies at graves of soldiers buried at National Military Cemetery
Students and members of the Canada’s military paid tribute to the fallen soldiers who rest at the National Military Cemetery in a ceremony to remember and honour the lives of those who fought for our country.
As the Last Post rang out, in tribute to the soldiers who died protecting Canada, students with École élémentaire catholique Saint-François-D’Asisse grasped the enormous cost of war.
“I didn’t realize how many soldiers have sacrificed their lives and there’s a lot of soldiers who aren’t even here,” says Grade 6 student Polly Almstedt, as she looks across hundreds of graves. “It’s sad when you kneel down and read the name and put the poppy there and not all of them are old a lot of them are new.”
Almstedt is among the dozens of students in grades 5 and 6 who are taking part in a ceremony to ‘leave no stone left alone’, which honours the lives of lost soldiers by placing a poppy at each of their graves.
As Acacia Hanvelt walks down row after row of headstones, she discovers another truth.
“Some of them died very young and there are people back at home who still wanted them to come home and they never did,” says Hanvelt, who recognizes the importance of Monday’s event. “I would say thank you for helping everyone here.”
Viceregal Consort of Canada Whit Fraser, spouse of Governor General Mary May Simon, opened the ceremony and spoke about the legacy of fallen soldiers, their contribution and the difference they made for Canadians. He, along with members of the Armed Forces, joined the students to lay poppies.
“Each headstone is an individual person, husband, wife,” says Master-Corporal Justin Horton. “It’s important to remember both us as soldiers and, as the new generation coming up, that this was real, real events, real men and women.”
And while student Mikey Borland may not know the history of each soldier who lies at this cemetery, reading their name and placing a poppy ensures that who they are and what they did will be remembered.
“I’m participating here by doing my duty as a Canadian citizen by remembering those who fought for our country and for our freedoms,” says Borland. “I hope that they still have people who love them alive and that they’re remembered in the hearts of those who love them.”
WREATHS ACROSS CANADA
As another sign of remembrance, Wreaths Across Canada Foundation wants to ensure no stone is left alone during the holiday season and is looking for donations in order to place a wreath on the tombstones of 6,500 soldiers at the National Military Cemetery on Dec. 5.
“This is really a grassroots event where the fundraising is done by individuals,” says Nick McCarthy, Vice President with Wreaths Across Canada. “We’re always looking for help and we’re having our first inaugural gala on Nov. 20. We’re looking for people to buy tickets, buy tables and join us. It’s a wonderful way to start the Christmas season while not forgetting the sacrifice of soldiers.”
The gala will take place at the River Lounge, Ramada by Windham. Tickets start at $125 and are available online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.