On a sunny Thursday, hundreds of children gathered at the Fraser Cemetery in New Westminster, B.C., to acknowledge the sacrifice made by members of Canada’s military ahead of Remembrance Day.
Organizers say about 650 kids, from grades 2 to 5, laid poppies on gravestones as part of the No Stone Left Alone initiative, a nationwide movement to educate youth about the importance of remembering and honouring Canadian veterans.
“What we’re seeing, especially in British Columbia, is that we have a lot of children that have come from war-torn nations, from other countries, from other continents, and so I think we’re seeing an uptick in awareness amongst the younger generation,” said Karen Baker-MacGrotty, the event organizer and former honorary colonel of the Royal Westminster Regiment.
Because Canada’s military history and the significance of Remembrance Day aren’t always taught at home, Baker-McGrotty said it’s important for her group to educate young people.
In addition to laying poppies, In Flander’s Fields was read, and the national anthem was sung. Music was performed by the Royal Westminster Regiment’s volunteer band.
The Early Edition5:08What Remembrance Day means to kids
Hundreds of students in New West lay poppies on gravestones and two of them shared their thoughts on the ceremony.
