On Monday, November 3, Grade 3 students from Cliff Drive Elementary gathered at Boundary Bay Cemetery in Tsawwassen for a heartfelt No Stone Left Alone ceremony a moving tribute to the veterans laid to rest there.
This special event was organized by Cliff Drive Vice Principal, Madame Hélène Hamilton, in partnership with the City of Delta and the Tsawwassen branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Madame Hamilton first introduced the ceremony to Tsawwassen students three years ago while teaching at South Park Elementary, and her dedication has ensured that this tradition continues.
Students proudly sang O Canada, recited In Flanders Fields and the Commitment to Remember, and listened as Captain P. Spicer delivered the Act of Remembrance. After the Last Post, the students observed two minutes of silence before placing a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice.
For Madame Hamilton, this initiative is deeply personal:
"My grandfather was a World War II veteran in the Canadian Air Force. My uncles also served in the military, so I am passionate about encouraging respect and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of veterans," she shared. "No Stone Left Alone is a wonderful initiative that enables students to honour veterans interred at Boundary Bay Cemetery and hopefully gives them a better understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans that give us peace and the many freedoms we enjoy today."
Following the ceremony, each student visited an assigned gravestone, spoke the veteran's name aloud, and paused for a moment of silence and reflection reflect on the veteran's service and sacrifice.
Across Canada, No Stone Left Alone ceremonies take place in the days leading up to Remembrance Day. Each poppy placed is a promise that those who served and sacrificed will never be forgotten. These ceremonies connect generations, teach youth the importance of remembrance, and honour the courage of those who gave everything for our freedom.
We Will Remember Them. Lest We Forget.
