The British Columbia Dragoons and No Stone Left Alone
The British Columbia Dragoons are a Primary Reserve Unit here in the Okanagan that have a rich history dating back over 100 years. The BCD’s have participated in all of the major conflicts since WW1 and have been used during domestic operations such as the BC Fires in 2004 and 2017. Their presence as the only Canadian Forces Unit in the area allows them to get involved in the community and help with activities such as food drives, ceremonial parades and sporting events.
During the Veteran’s Week and the build up to Remembrance Day itself, the BCD’s have been proud to be involved with the No Stone Left Alone program and have participated in ceremonies in the three major cities of Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon.
The No Stone Left Alone Foundation has developed a program to honor the fallen Veterans who have served the Canadian Armed Forces. This is the 7th year that this non-profit organization has honored fallen Veterans and has continually grown each year. The program allows students and educators from all across Canada to actively participate each year with serving members of the CAF.
This program has been a great way for the younger generation to become more aware of what Remembrance Day stands for. At each ceremony, the students are addressed by serving members who give a small speech that honors our fallen. They are then escorted by a serving member or a retired veteran and place a poppy on each headstone in recognition of the service of the fallen. Each student then steps back, says the name on the headstone and give a moment of thought to that individual’s service. Thousands of Veterans are remembered each year across Canada through this Foundation and thousands of young students learn what it means to serve your country and make the ultimate sacrifice.
The British Columbia Dragoons will continue to participate in this program each year and will encourage all members and the community to get involve in remembering our Fallen Veterans whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Written by Sgt Mark Peachey