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Student project unique memorial

No Stone Left Alone fosters understanding and piques interest
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There are 147 vets buried at the Chemainus Cemetery. (Photo by Don Bodger)

We Will Remember Them.

The importance of that can’t be emphasized enough, as we head toward another Remembrance Day Friday. The age factor, of course, has now reduced the number of Second World War vets around the world substantially and it won’t be long before none will remain.

The key to remembrance, of course, is passing on the stories, the information, the traditions and understandings of what transpired to the next generation. If they become interested, it will stand the test of time.

A unique project at Chemainus Secondary School has certainly captured the attention of students. Through the initiative of teacher Tracey Sweetapple, the No Stone Left Alone program vows to foster a deeper understanding of the sacrifices of veterans and makes the connection between learning and the people.

It gives students a chance to embrace being an active part of remembrance.

Sweetapple’s research uncovered a hidden gem to revolve her local project around. The Ordano family name is well-known around Chemainus and the story behind Sgt. Victor Earl Ordano’s headstone at the Chemainus Cemetery carried some significant weight.

The history of the Indigenous soldier has been brought to the forefront to celebrate as part of this community’s contribution to the war effort. There are 147 vets laid to rest in the cemetery all with intriguing backgrounds and personal anecdotes worthy of maintaining in the public domain.

To bring them all together as a unified group, art students at the school painted more than 100 poppy stones. They were placed at the headstone of each veteran.

What a great idea and a unique way for young people to make their mark with memories that need to be treasured. You can bet this project will be passed onto the next group of students anxious to let their creative juices flow.

Remembrance will always continue for more recent wars. But it can’t be emphasized enough for the First and Second World Wars to be held in the highest esteem for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Young people are getting that message and No Stone Let Alone helps them understand how fortunate they are today in their lives because of those sacrifices.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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