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'No Stone Left Alone' coming to Wetaskiwin

For the first time in history, the City of Wetaskiwin is home to a No Stone Left Alone ceremony.

For the first time in history, the City of Wetaskiwin is home to a No Stone Left Alone ceremony.

No Stone Left Alone is a memorial initiative out of Edmonton focused on commemorating veterans, as well as working with schools to engage and educate students about the sacrifices made by past and present veterans.

“Their purpose is to honor veterans by placing poppies on the gravestones,” said co-coordinator Stacey Coughlan.

“Normally they have a school that’s on board with them,” she added. However, Coughlan and her daughter Alyssa did not have enough time to get to all the schools in the community this year and while the duo did speak with the high school they were left shorthanded as not enough volunteers stepped forward.

Stacey says she and Alyssa are now reaching out to the community, looking for families and other volunteers to take part during the Nov. 7 service.

As of Oct. 21 city council representation, the Wetaskiwin Royal Canadian Legion Branch 86 and the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary had confirmed their involvement.

Alyssa says she is really hoping families choose to come out and pay tribute the veterans so education can start at home at a young age.

While it is Wetaskiwin’s first time with No Stone Left Alone it is also the two woman’s first time being involved. Alyssa’s father served with the British military during the first Gulf War and it was Stacey who initially discovered No Stone Left Alone.

“We just thought it’s a really good way to honour the veterans,” said Alyssa. “Not only them; let their families know. They will not be forgotten,” she added.

Stacey says next year they do hope to be able to get schools involved in the process.

“I really think it’s something they’ll benefit from,” said Alyssa.

More than 300 veterans graves rest in the city’s two cemeteries.

Those wanting to volunteer can contact Alyssa at 780-362-0832, Stacey at 780-362-2409 or check out the Facebook page No Stone Left Alone-Wetaskiwin. As the event’s final details are put into place more information will be posted on the Facebook page.