INNISFAIL – Students at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School were set to honour Canadian veterans in a special way today but weather hampered their efforts.
Grade 4 students were to participate in a special ceremony at the Innisfail Cemetery in partnership with the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation on Nov. 6.
The decision was made on Nov. 5 to cancel the event because of a snowstorm that blew through during the day and evening. Red Deer Catholic Regional School buses serving rural routes including Innisfail were cancelled for Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. Chinook's Edge School Division also cancelled buses on both days.
David Griffin, St. Marguerite vice-principal, said the special ceremony was to be held "so students can stay connected to veterans. There’s less and less veterans with us nowadays."
It is the first time St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School would have participated in the ceremony.
“Last year Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (held a ceremony) in Red Deer. We saw how great an effect it had on the students there and we wanted to bring it to our students in Innisfail,” said Griffin.
The foundation, created in 2011, works with schools across the country to educate students, and honour and remember the service and sacrifice of Canada’s military.
While at the Innisfail Cemetery, students will participate in a liturgy, prayers and lay poppies on all the graves that belong to Canadian veterans.
“Our associate superintendant of faith, Ryan Ledene, will be there to show his commitment,” said Griffin. “When we talk about a Remembrance ceremony we tie in our Catholic faith and hold a liturgy.
“We’re going to place wreaths and/or poppies on all the graves of our veterans that are buried there,” said Griffin. “They’re not necessarily veterans that died in battle but also those who survived. It’s their stories that lived on through their lives.”
