From left to right: Caterina Arena-Saia, Sean Esdon, Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight, Nelith Sigirige, Pierce Schaefer.
Pierce Schaefer is a founding member of The Corporal François (Franck) Dupéré Legacy Memorial, a powerful, student-led initiative created to honour fallen Canadian soldiers and engage future generations in meaningful remembrance.
Established in 2023 by four students from the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board’s ASCEND Student Leadership program, the Memorial was designed to recognize the service and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers—especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The project’s vision is bold and enduring: the Memorial will travel from school to school across Canada for the next 100 years. Each host school will research and honour a fallen soldier from their community, adding their story to the Memorial and sharing it during the annual Operation Remembrance ceremony, held both online and in person in Ottawa every November 11.
Pierce was the catalyst behind the concept, inspired by the life and service of Corporal François Dupéré. As a graduate of the ASCEND Leadership program, he demonstrated exceptional initiative, leadership and creativity. He led the design and construction of the Memorial, sharing his passion for woodworking and guiding his peers in crafting the physical structure. His vision was to create a lasting tribute that would unite Canadians in remembrance and inspire young people to embody the values of courage, resilience, leadership, sacrifice and service.
Throughout the project, Pierce showed remarkable adaptability and determination. When faced with challenges, he stepped up—meeting with community leaders, national officials and Veterans’ organizations to build lasting partnerships. He and his team engaged with Veterans Affairs Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion and members of Corporal Dupéré’s regiment, the 4th Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. They also maintained close contact with Dupéré’s family and friends to ensure the project honoured his legacy with authenticity and respect.
In 2024, the Memorial was hosted by King’s-Edgehill School in Nova Scotia, which chose to honour Captain Nichola Goddard. It has since been passed to Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver, British Columbia, where it was featured in the 2025 Remembrance Day ceremony.
Pierce’s leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment have helped lay the foundation for a century-long journey of remembrance. Through his efforts, the Corporal François Dupéré Legacy Memorial is not only preserving the stories of Canada’s fallen heroes—it is inspiring generations of students to carry their legacy forward.