From left to right: Caterina Arena-Saia, Sean Esdon, Minister of Veterans Affairs Jill McKnight, Nelith Sigirige, Pierce Schaefer.
Sean Esdon is a founding member of the Corporal François (Franck) Dupéré Legacy Memorial, a powerful, student-led initiative launched in 2023 through the Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board’s ASCEND Student Leadership Program. The Memorial was created to honour fallen Canadian soldiers by engaging students in meaningful remembrance and community connection.
Designed to travel across Canada for the next 100 years, the Memorial will be hosted by a different school each year. Students at each host school will research and honour a local Veteran, selecting one fallen soldier to be added to the Memorial. Each year on November 11, the host school will present the life and service of their chosen Veteran during the Operation Remembrance ceremony—held both online and in person in Ottawa—before passing the Memorial to the next school.
Sean and his team envisioned a project that would unite Canadians across generations in active remembrance. Their goal was to create a lasting tribute that not only honours the sacrifices of Canada’s service members but also inspires youth to embody the values these soldiers represented: courage, resilience, leadership, sacrifice, service and compassion.
Throughout the project, Sean demonstrated exceptional adaptability and leadership. When faced with challenges, he stepped forward—engaging with community leaders, national organizations and government officials to build lasting support. He and his team worked closely with Veterans Affairs Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion and the Dupéré family, ensuring the Memorial was built on a foundation of authenticity and respect.
Sean also played a hands-on role in the Memorial’s creation. He and his team designed and handcrafted the structure in their school’s woodshop. They partnered with members of Corporal Dupéré’s regiment, the 4th Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, and maintained close contact with the Dupéré family and friends to ensure the Memorial truly reflected his legacy.
As Chair of Outreach, Sean emphasized the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive mindset. He viewed the Memorial not just as a tribute, but as a source of inspiration—one that would help others recognize the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. His personal aspiration to become a military pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force further reflects his deep commitment to service.
In 2024, the Memorial was hosted by King’s-Edgehill School in Nova Scotia, which honoured Captain Nichola Goddard. It was next hosted by Kitsilano Secondary School in Vancouver, British Columbia for the 11 November 2025 ceremony.
Sean’s contributions to the Corporal Dupéré Legacy Memorial have helped lay the foundation for a century-long journey of remembrance, education and national unity.