For the handful of Second World War servicemen buried under Commonwealth War Graves headstones in Old Holy Cemetery, a fresh, red poppy placed November 7 does, indeed, mean they are not forgotten.
Middleton Regional High School Grade 10 students once again joined the cross-Canada No Stone Left Alone initiative, paying a visit and their respects.
“This is something they realize they can offer,” said Career Development 10 teacher Rebekah Wheadon. The annual project “absolutely engages” students.
“We have Dianne Hankinson LeGard’s book, and the students go through it and look at the airman and some of what’s known about them – including how old they were when they died, usually very young. They get really nervous about remembering the men’s names. They want to do really well.”
The students walked to the cemetery, met by local No Stone Left Alone volunteer John MacEachern, Corporal (retired) Chris Tidd, and members of the community. Tidd, formerly with the Joint Signal Regiment, is now a postulate at Western University. He invited everyone to “take a moment to recall with sorrow the horror of war, and remember those who have lost their lives in defence of justice and dignity,” in conflicts, past and present.
“This is an act of remembrance, in hopes of peace for all peoples and harmony among the nations.”
MacEachern thanked the students, and the community, for coming: the Old Holy Cemetery was the first from Nova Scotia to join No Stone Left Alone several years ago; this year, there were three cemeteries involved across the province.
“You, and your previous classes, are well, well regarded in head office in Edmonton (where No Stone Left Alone began in 2011),” MacEachern said. “We appreciate your enthusiasm.”
MacEachern said he’s been impressed with the Middleton students since they joined No Stone Left Alone, and looks forward to meeting the newest Grade 10 students adopting the project, and then sharing the now-annual service together.
