On the 11th hour of the fourth day of the 11th month, Lumby elementary school students learned a history lesson.
Close to 25 students from Jennie Currie's Grade 4-5 class at J.W. Inglis Elementary gathered at the Lumby Cemetery Monday, Nov. 4, with a steady rain falling, for a special ceremony starting at 11 a.m.
They were there to lay poppies on the grave markers of Lumby's veterans at the annual No Stone Left Alone ceremony, a nationwide initiative that educates students of all ages about Canada's rich history of service to country. Laying the poppies 鈥� the Royal Canadian Legion's symbol of remembrance 鈥� on the graves helps remember the fallen.
While the students gathered under umbrellas, ball hats, toques, and hoodies to protect their heads from the rain, and with some wearing winter jackets for warmth, they were told by local No Stone Left Alone organizer Lawrna Myers that Monday's conditions were similar to what Canadian soldiers faced in the First World War.
The soldiers, though, only had their uniforms and helmets, and couldn't leave to find shelter or warmth.
"It's hard for the students to fully appreciate that the freedoms they have come on the shoulders of the veterans," said Currie. "They read about their sacrifices, but it doesn't really hit home for them until they come and see the graves."
Prior to laying the poppies, along with some tiny handmade crosses and rocks painted with poppies, a ceremony was held at the Cenotaph within the cemetery.
Rural Lumby Regional District of North Okanagan director Rick Fairbairn told the students Remembrance Day is a way to commemorate the veterans for their service and, in some cases, for paying the ultimate sacrifice "to keep us safe and free."
"As we stand here in this peaceful cemetery, let's remember that each poppy we wear, and each moment of silence we take, is a way to say thank you," said Fairbairn. "These heroes showed great courage. It's important for us to never forget their stories. Let's promise to always remember, and appreciate the freedom we have because of their bravery."
Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton said his heart is always warmed by celebrating Remembrance Day. He encouraged the students as they laid the poppies to stop and think about what that means for Canadians 鈥� the freedom, and the ability that is there to be ourselves.
"Just remember when you're in school and spending time with each other and your neighbours, treat everybody as nice as you can," said Acton. "Try and behave for them the way these people behaved for us 鈥� making sacrifices and helping each other."
The students were joined at the ceremony by volunteers from the British Columbia Dragoons, Lumby Lions, and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 167 鈥� Lumby.
Following the recorded playing of the Last Post, two minutes of silence, and the Rouse, Maj. (Ret'd) Kimberly Greenizan of the Lumby Legion read the Act of Remembrance.
Students Mackenize Jespersen and Simon Cadden split duties reading the Commitment to Remember, while nine other classmates read aloud the famous John McCrae poem In Flanders Fields.
The ceremony closed with students Emerson Bell and Mason Schibli laying a pair of wreaths at the Cenotaph.
The students were then led by the volunteers to place 115 poppies on the graves of men and women veterans from the village. Students recited the names of the fallen before placing the poppies.
This was the sixth year the No Stone Left Alone event took place at the Lumby Cemetery. The event will also happen before Remembrance Day involving students from elementary and secondary schools at cemeteries in Armstrong, Coldstream, and Vernon.
