Marking 24 Years Since 9/11

This September 11 marks the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 2001, a day that changed the world forever. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, including 24 Canadians.

For many, the memories remain vivid: the shock, the sorrow, and the grief that rippled across borders. For families and communities in Canada, the pain was deeply personal.

The Beechwood 9/11 Memorial

To ensure these Canadians would never be forgotten, Beechwood Cemetery, National Cemetery of Canada, dedicated the Beechwood 9/11 Memorial on September 15, 2002. One of the first memorials in the world created in response to the attacks, it remains the only monument dedicated specifically to the Canadians lost on 9/11.

Its plaque carries a simple but powerful message:

“IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE CANADIANS LOST À LA MÉMOIRE DES VICTIMES CANADIENNES SEPTEMBER 11 SEPTEMBRE 2001.”

24 Years of Remembrance

This year, as we mark 24 years since that tragic day, the Beechwood 9/11 Memorial continues to serve as a place of reflection and mourning. It is a space where families, friends, and Canadians of all backgrounds can gather to remember, grieve, and find strength together.

The memorial stands as a testament to community compassion. First imagined by Beechwood staff member Tania Turpin, it was built in partnership with families and supporters who knew the importance of having a national place to remember.

Never Forgotten

Twenty-four years later, the memory of 9/11 still calls us to pause, to honour, and to reflect. At Beechwood, we remain committed to ensuring that the Canadians lost on that day will always be remembered, and that future generations will continue to understand the importance of this moment in history.