No Stone Left Alone: Youth in Action at the National Military Cemetery

On November 4, 2025, the National Military Cemetery of Canada once again became a place of reflection, remembrance, and education. The No Stone Left Alone – National Capital Region Girl Guides Ceremony brought together hundreds of young Canadians, their leaders, and members of the community for a moving act of remembrance.

Gathered under the autumn sky, participants assembled near the central monument as the flags were prepared and the vigil party—members of the 76 Communications Regiment—took their positions.

Students shared powerful literary and poetic reflections, honouring the sacrifices of those who served in the air, on land, and at sea. The bilingual readings of In Flanders Fields, The Naval Hymn, and When I Think of Famous Men (air force) served as reminders that remembrance transcends language, culture, and generation. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces stood alongside the students, reinforcing the living connection between past and present service.

The Act of Remembrance, read in both official languages by members of the 76 Communications Regiment, was followed by the Last Post, two minutes of silence, the Rouse, and a solemn lament on the bagpipes. Each moment reflected the dignity and unity that define remembrance in Canada.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Canadian Government, Canada’s Armed Forces, and the students.

As the ceremony concluded, participants were invited to place poppies on the headstones of fallen service members—a symbolic promise that no soldier’s name, nor their sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Across the National Military Cemetery of Canada, hundreds of red poppies stood out against the grey stones, a vivid tableau of memory and gratitude created by the hands of youth.

Special thanks to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) for sharing photographs that captured these poignant moments of remembrance.