INNISFAIL – For the first time, the entire 300-plus student body at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School went to the Innisfail Cemetery to pay their respects to Canada’s greatest heroes.
They solemnly entered the cemetery with a sacred mission; one dutifully outlined under the No Stone Left Alone program launched in 2011 to ensure enduring national respect and gratitude for the Canadian men and women who sacrificed their lives in the service of peace in Canada and around the world.
Kimi Abreu, a Grade 3 teacher at St. Marguerite, has been the lead organizer for the hour-long No Stone Left Alone remembrance since her school began it four years ago.
Bad weather cancelled the planned first year. The second year Abreu brought just her own class of about 20 or so students. The next two years her class was joined by one other.
But this year on Oct. 20 she partnered with kindergarten teacher Meghan Hebert to bring every one of the more than 300 students to the Innisfail Cemetery.
“It was amazing. I can't believe we did a whole school trip. And within the hour we were done. It's a very short ceremony,” said Abreu of the ceremony that began at about 9:15 a.m. and lasted about 45 minutes. “The fact that we had 300 of our kids there just showed how amazing the school community is.”
Abreu said the ceremony with the student body was “moving and reverent” right from the start.
Staff and students, along with Innisfail RCMP Const. Craig Nelson, began with special readings, including In Flanders Fields and the Act of Remembrance. There was then two minutes of silence, followed by the playing of The Rouse.
Then the 300 students spread out in the cemetery to honour the veterans with a special poppy laying protocol. Each student was tasked to conduct an individual service at a grave.
“We painted poppies on rocks,” said Abreu, adding the rocks would ultimately be placed respectfully on the headstones. “Students are asked to proceed and spread out at the headstones.
“And then they're supposed to identify the headstone and read the names and see where they served or how they served, whatever's written on there,” she added. “They're supposed to read out the veteran’s name and place the poppy down and do a little reflection on their service, like a thank you.”
After 45 minutes the No Stone Left Alone service was over. The children and staff went back to the school. The kids remained reverent and quiet.
“It was amazing how silently reverent all the students were. We had at one point over 300 kids standing out there and it was just silent,” said Abreu. “It just seemed like it was super meaningful to them, and they felt it was important.
“I am so proud of every single student.”
