A Community United in Remembrance: Volunteers Restore Headstones at the National Military Cemetery
This fall, Beechwood Cemetery and the National Military Cemetery were deeply moved by the outpouring of community support during the Headstone Cleaning Events held in September and October 2025.
Over two remarkable weekends, volunteers, families, students, veterans, and community members, came together with a shared purpose: to honour those who served Canada by caring for their resting places. Armed with soft brushes, buckets, and respect, participants gently cleaned hundreds of headstones across the cemetery grounds, helping preserve their dignity and ensuring that each name remains visible for generations to come.
The spirit of service was unmistakable. Every volunteer, from young students learning about Canada’s military history to veterans paying tribute to their comrades, contributed to an atmosphere of quiet reverence and collective gratitude. Their actions were a living act of remembrance, a reminder that honouring those who served is not confined to one week in November, but a year-round responsibility.
The success of these events speaks to the heart of what Beechwood represents: a place where history, community, and remembrance come together. What could have been a routine maintenance activity became a powerful display of unity and care. We were particularly grateful for the weather, two flawless days that made the work even more meaningful.
There was no need for a rain day, only sunshine, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose that reflected the very best of our community. Beechwood and the National Military Cemetery extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered.
Your time, compassion, and commitment have left a lasting mark, not only on the stones you cleaned, but on the collective memory of our nation.
Together, you’ve shown that remembrance is not only about reflection, but also about action. And in that action, you’ve honoured the men and women who served with courage, integrity, and sacrifice.
Cleaning Headstones Photos - Richard Lawrence Photography