In May of this year (2025), Port Elgin Cemetery joined the ‘No Stone Left Alone’ program and today, September 24th (2025), Southampton Cemetery also became part of the program.
The concept and mission of the project, ‘No Stone Left Alone‘, is – “To honour the service and sacrifice of Canada’s military by educating and inspiring youth to place poppies on veterans’ headstones.” The poppies are hand-painted on small stones that are then placed on Veteran’s grave sites by family members and high school students.
The poignant ceremony in Southampton began with the Southampton Legion Branch 155 colour party organized by Branch Sgt. Major Charles Shmalz, and being led by piper Steve Wolfe. A special ‘No Stone Left Alone’ wreath was then laid by local military historian, Bill Streeter.
Sharon Kelly Hope of Paisley Legion and the ‘No Stone Let Alone’ project said that the program teaches children about the sacrifices the veterans put forward and keeps the memory of the veterans alive. “That is the basis of this entire program,” said Hope. “There are months and months of research that goes on in trying to locate the veterans and their places of rest. Those who are abroad are also honoured with stones by students on their European high school trips.”
Among the dignitaries who attended were Pat O’Connor representing MP Ben Lobb, Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, and Saugeen Shores Mayor and Warden of Bruce County Luke Charbonneau.
O’Connor, Constituency Manager on behalf of Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb said that the No Stone Left Alone initiative carries a simple yet profound promise … “that every headstone of a fallen soldier will be remembered, that no resting place will be forgotten and that no sacrifice will go unmarked. In placing poppies upon these headstones, we do more than lay a flower. We carry forward a tradition of gratitude and teach the next generation that remembrance is not only a duty, but a privilege. Together, veterans, families, students and community, we unite across time, stand in respect and remember that No Stone Left Alone is no soldier forgotten.”
Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, also gave an emotional and personal speech directed primarily to the Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) students who attended.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau also expressed his appreciation to the volunteers who led the No Stone Left Alone project. “At the May event in Port Elgin, I was struck by the sacrifices that veterans made to ensure that we could be here today living in freedom in a country where we enjoy an unparalleled way of life.”
