OLDS-SUNDRE — Members of the congregation of the United Church in Olds and Sundre are painting rocks with images of Remembrance Day symbols like poppies and crosses.
The plan is to set them out during services in the two communities on Nov. 8.
Rev. Tammy Allan, who serves the two churches, was looking for a way to pay homage to those in the military in the era of COVID when the idea of painting the rocks occurred to her.
“I thought, ‘well the legions can’t do the big formal ceremonies this year,’” she said during an interview. "The idea was to paint rocks and place them on cenotaphs or in the Field of Honour, on graves.”
Allan picked up some rocks from a field with the help of a friend. Another lady gathered some while walking in Sundre as well.
Allan said the idea has been well received. About 10 people have been painting the rocks for a couple of weeks.
Acrylic paint is utilized so they can last outdoors.
“It’s artistic. People are coming to do something other than board meetings. We can sit and socially distance and do it," she said.
Allan envisions having the rocks lining the steps as people come in for services on Nov. 8.
She said in addition to the stones that are placed at cenotaphs or graves, one or two might be set out permanently in the Olds United Church’s victory garden.
Allan has posted the activity on her personal Facebook page and on the church’s Facebook group as well as the Olds United Church’s website.
As a result, she said, the activity is now being taken up by cadets in Rocky Mountain House.
