Why I Give to No Stone Left Alone
Honouring the service and sacrifice of our veterans has always been a part of my life.
My father was in the First Canadian Parachute battalion during World War II, and I grew up listening to his stories from the battlefield.
Almost ten years ago, a dear friend of mine told me about No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation. She was volunteering with them, helping teachers and students participate in Remembrance ceremonies at Mount Pleasant Cemetery where over 250 veterans are buried throughout. At the time, I thought it was a nice idea – students giving gratitude and paying respect to soldiers’ headstones, placing a poppy, and saying their name. I decided to volunteer myself. Little did I know the connection I would feel to the mission of No Stone Left Alone.
When my friend moved away from Edmonton, I stepped into organizing remembrance ceremonies for Mount Pleasant.
LAURIE’S FATHER, LT. ALBERT JOHN CARMICHAEL (PETER) ESLING, 1ST cANADIAN pARACHUTE bATTALION
LAURIE MCINNES, NSLA VOLUNTEER AND DONOR
the headstone of a veteran with canadian flag, at Mount pleasant cemetery in edmonton
As an NSLA volunteer, I walk the Mount Pleasant Cemetery and plant flags next to soldiers’ headstones to assist students in finding as many veteran graves as possible. I work with the teachers, providing maps of the site and distributing poppies, all part of the ceremony preparation volunteers provide in Edmonton, Alberta and across Canada. While this may seem simple, it sets the stage for what happens next… witnessing the moment our students come to realize the meaning of military service and the sacrifices made for our freedom.
This is why I am an annual donor to No Stone Left Alone. Every year, I experience the emotion and appreciation teachers and students feel when they place a poppy on the headstone of a soldier. No Stone Left Alone ceremonies are 100% donor funded, and I know my donation directly provides education and connection for students in my community and yours.
I am a donor, knowing that my time and donation will help preserve the act of remembrance for future generations.
Please join me in becoming a donor to No Stone Left Alone today.
With Gratitude,
Laurie McInnes