Honouring the Latin-American Community’s Service and Sacrifice

Featuring Guatemala as the 2025 Host Nation

On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the National Military Cemetery of Canada at Beechwood Cemetery hosted the 4th Annual Latin-American Remembrance Ceremony, marking a powerful moment of unity and reflection during Latin American Heritage Month in Canada. This year, Guatemala served as the host nation, symbolizing the enduring bonds between Canada and the nations of Latin America—bonds built on shared values of service, resilience, and hope for peace.

From the opening moments, the atmosphere was one of gratitude and quiet reverence. Elder Verna MacGregor began the ceremony with a traditional land acknowledgment, reminding those gathered that remembrance begins with respect, for the land, for the people who came before us, and for the stories that shape our collective history.

As the flags of Canada and Guatemala rose together, the significance of the day deepened. The ceremony has grown each year into an important national moment, one that brings visibility to the service and sacrifice of Latin-American men and women who answered Canada’s call to serve, often leaving behind their homes, families, and cultures to stand for freedom and justice.

Nick McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Outreach at Beechwood Cemetery, served as Master of Ceremonies. In his opening remarks, he reflected on the courage of these volunteers and the continued responsibility to carry forward their legacy.

“Their courage, to fight for liberty and justice far from home, should be a call to all of us to continue their mission. Freedom is not inherited; it is earned and safeguarded through courage, compassion, and conviction.”

Representing the Embassy of Guatemala to Canada, Diego Meneses delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of his nation. His words reflected deep pride in Guatemala’s role as the 2025 host nation and gratitude for the friendship between Canada and Guatemala. He spoke of shared history, mutual respect, and the universal pursuit of peace, emphasizing how remembrance connects all nations through empathy and understanding.

Following his remarks, Colonel Marc Comeau, representing the Canadian Armed Forces, reflected on the enduring contributions of Latin-American Canadians to Canada’s military heritage, highlighting how diversity has long been a cornerstone of the country’s strength.

Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, founder of the Latin-American Remembrance Committee and lead researcher for this initiative, offered an inspiring address highlighting the lives of Latin-American service members who fought for Canada. Through his tireless research, many of these long-overlooked stories are now being preserved and celebrated as part of the national record.

As the bugle sounded the Last Post, followed by two minutes of silence, the crowd stood united in reflection. The stillness spoke volumes, about courage, belonging, and shared sacrifice. Wreaths were then placed by government representatives, veterans, and members of the Latin-American community, each one a symbol of remembrance and gratitude.

The closing remarks reminded all in attendance that remembrance is not simply about the past, it is about ensuring that acts of courage continue to inspire the generations that follow.

The Latin-American Remembrance Ceremony has become an integral part of Beechwood’s national commemorative calendar. Held during Latin American Heritage Month, it not only recognizes the service of those who fought for freedom but also celebrates the diversity, strength, and unity that define Canada. Beneath the open sky of the National Military Cemetery, this year’s ceremony reaffirmed a simple, enduring truth: together, we will remember them.

This annual ceremony is made possible through the collaboration of the Latin-American Remembrance Committee and the Embassy of Guatemala to Canada, whose partnership and dedication ensure that the contributions of Latin-American Canadians to our shared history are never forgotten.