More than 3,000 poppies were placed at Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, as the Girl Guides of Ottawa gathered for their annual No Stone Left Alone ceremony. Together, they honoured more than 3,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families through a simple and personal act of remembrance.
Joined by their leaders, families and volunteers, the Girl Guides helped carry the responsibility of remembrance forward. Each poppy represented a moment taken to recognize a life, acknowledge service and remember the family behind a name.
The ceremony brought generations together through poetry, the Youth Act of Remembrance and the Act of Remembrance. The Last Post, a moment of silence, the Rouse and the Lament offered time to reflect on those who served and those who never returned home. Wreaths were laid in tribute to their service and sacrifice.
Following the ceremony, the Girl Guides continued their act of remembrance among the headstones in the Veterans’ Section, the Commonwealth War Graves sections and the Last Post Fund section. Participants were encouraged to pause, read each name and consider the person remembered there before gently placing a poppy.
A name on a headstone belongs to someone who had a family, friendships and hopes for the future. Taking time to read that name creates a connection across generations. For young participants, it makes Canada’s military history personal and gives them an active role in preserving it.
This year’s gathering also marked the 25th anniversary of the National Military Cemetery of Canada, established at Beechwood in 2001. As we reflect on that milestone, the participation of young people reminds us how remembrance will continue in the years ahead.
The Girl Guides brought their own tradition of community service to this responsibility. Their care among the headstones showed how young people can contribute meaningfully to remembrance while offering recognition to military families.
Beechwood thanks the Girl Guides of Ottawa, their leaders, families and volunteers for supporting No Stone Left Alone and helping ensure that those who served are remembered.
More than 3,000 poppies placed. More than 3,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families honoured. Each one remembered with care.
