Honouring Service and Heritage: The Second Annual Lebanese-Canadian Military Remembrance Ceremony
Beechwood Cemetery’s National Military Cemetery of Canada hosted the Second Annual Lebanese-Canadian Military Remembrance Ceremony on November 23, 2025, an observance that reaffirmed the enduring contributions of Canadians of Lebanese heritage to the Canadian Armed Forces. The gathering brought together military leaders, diplomats, families, and community members in a powerful act of remembrance rooted in shared values of service, resilience, and belonging.
The program opened with a formal assembly at the National Military Cemetery’s central monument, followed by ceremonial music and the arrival of dignitaries. Master of Ceremonies Nick McCarthy welcomed attendees and set the tone for the morning: a recognition of the sacrifices and stories that connect two homelands.
The Lebanese and Canadian national anthems, the Last Post, two minutes of silence, the Rouse, and a traditional lament on the bagpipes created a powerful sequence of honour.
In his opening remarks, McCarthy highlighted the life of Trooper Marc Hani Diab, a Lebanese-born Canadian soldier whose service in Afghanistan and sacrifice in 2009 continue to resonate deeply across Canadian and Lebanese communities. Diab’s legacy framed the ceremony as a moment to honour all who embodied courage, loyalty, and devotion to Canada.
The ceremony featured thoughtful reflections from senior Canadian Armed Forces leadership and diplomatic representatives. Commodore Sam Sader, a distinguished Royal Canadian Navy officer of Lebanese heritage, spoke on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces. His remarks underscored the strength and pride that Lebanese-Canadian members have brought to Canada’s military history, reminding attendees that service is enriched by cultural identity and community bonds.
His Excellency Ali Dirani, Consul of Lebanon to Canada, offered a moving tribute in both English and French, paying respect to the generations of Lebanese immigrants who embraced service to their adopted homeland. He highlighted the ceremony’s poignant proximity to Lebanese Independence Day, reinforcing the deep historical and emotional connections between the two countries. His remarks also included a powerful passage honouring the journey of Lebanese immigrants, carrying their heritage across oceans while building a shared future in Canada.
Honorary Colonel Omar Abou-Zahr of the Governor General’s Foot Guards added further reflection on the importance of preserving the stories of Lebanese-Canadian service members. His leadership within the Lebanese-Canadian Military Remembrance Committee has been instrumental in ensuring these contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
Following the speakers, Leading Cadet Ryan Abouzaher delivered the Act of Remembrance, grounding the ceremony in its solemn purpose. A prayer by Chaplain Captain Kennedy Matande added a spiritual dimension to the reflection, and Mrs. Jana Salameh offered a stirring performance of Watani, honouring Lebanese heritage through music.
A Collective Tribute A central moment of the ceremony was the wreath-laying, carried out by representatives from across the diplomatic, military, and community landscape:
- Government of Canada - Hon. Mona Fortier
- Embassy of Lebanon - Consul Ali Dirani
- Canadian Armed Forces - Commodore Sam Sader
- Lebanese-Canadian Military Remembrance Committee - HCol Omar Abou-Zahr
Families carried their memories forward with deeply personal tributes, including the Diab family, honouring the memory of Trooper Marc Diab. Members of the Lebanese community, as well as representatives from related remembrance groups, including the Latin American Soldiers Committee and Amicitia, joined in the collective act of homage.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks reflecting on the vital role Lebanese-Canadian service members play in Canada’s military story. Their contributions, shaped by dual heritage and a profound sense of purpose, continue to enrich Canada’s national narrative. As the vigil party departed, attendees were invited to gather at the Beechwood main building, creating space for dialogue, memories, and community connection.
Strengthening the Bridge Between Heritage and Service
This year’s ceremony demonstrated the strength of remembrance when it is shared across cultures, generations, and institutions. It reinforced a simple truth: the stories of Canadians of Lebanese heritage are integral to the story of Canada itself.
Their service, sacrifice, and leadership stand as a testament to the values both nations uphold - freedom, dignity, and unity. Beechwood Cemetery is honoured to stand alongside the Lebanese-Canadian community and the Canadian Armed Forces in preserving these stories for all who seek to understand and honour Canada’s past, present, and future.