History

Honouring the Past: The Unveiling of “Maintain Our Memories”

nmccarthy — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:02:59 +0000

Honouring the Past: The Unveiling of “Maintain Our Memories” nmccarthy Thu, 11/13/2025 - 11:02:AM

On November 9, 2025, following the RCMP Veterans’ Week Commemorative Service at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood, a new and meaningful project was unveiled - RCMP Graves: “Maintain Our Memories.” This initiative stands as a living act of remembrance, ensuring that every member of the Force, past and present, is honoured, remembered, and never forgotten.

The project was inspired by the tireless work of RCMP Superintendent (Ret’d) Joseph Healy, a native of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, whose thirty-six-year career in the RCMP spanned the globe. After retiring in 2001, he turned his dedication toward preserving the memory of his fellow Mounties through the RCMP Graves Inspection and Maintenance Program.

What began as one man’s mission to locate and document unmarked or forgotten graves evolved into a national effort of remembrance. Superintendent Healy discovered that many RCMP graves were missing headstones, were in disrepair, or were not formally recorded. In response, he developed a groundbreaking online resource, the RCMP National Grave Discovery Database and History Website. This searchable archive, accessible at rcmpgraves.com, now contains over 80,000 member records and interment locations across Canada and around the world.

From his home, affectionately known as “Fort Healy,” and with the steadfast support of his wife Cathy, Superintendent Healy leads a dedicated group of volunteers, veterans, serving members, families, and citizens, who share his passion for remembrance. Their collective efforts ensure that the graves of RCMP members dating back to the North-West Mounted Police of 1873 are properly recorded, maintained, and honoured.

The database not only safeguards locations and records but also tells the stories behind each name. Every entry represents a life lived in service, from the dusty trails of the early Mounted Police to the modern missions of the RCMP. Visitors to the site can learn about individual careers, view photographs, and discover personal histories that span more than 150 years of national service.

The unveiling of “Maintain Our Memories” during Veterans’ Week was both symbolic and timely. Just as the Act of Remembrance at Beechwood reminds Canadians to honour those who served, this initiative transforms that promise into daily action, preserving the identities, stories, and sacrifices of those who wore the uniform. Superintendent Healy’s lifelong commitment was recognized earlier this year with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, acknowledging his remarkable contribution to the RCMP and to Canada’s collective memory. His work exemplifies what remembrance truly means: not just recalling the past, but safeguarding it for the future.

Through “Maintain Our Memories,” the RCMP community continues to live its motto, Maintiens le droit, in a new way: by upholding the right to remembrance. This project ensures that the men and women of the Force are never reduced to forgotten names on fading stones but remain part of Canada’s living history.

At Beechwood, the National Cemetery of Canada, where the RCMP’s legacy stands alongside that of the nation it serves, “Maintain Our Memories” reaffirms a simple, powerful truth: remembrance is not a single day, it is a responsibility carried forward.

History

November 20, 2025

What Remembrance Day Means at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:42:57 +0000

What Remembrance Day Means at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Thu, 11/13/2025 - 07:42:AM

Every year on November 11, the National Military Cemetery becomes a place where silence carries a depth of meaning no words can reach. The stillness that settles over the rows of headstones is heavy with history, the stories of men and women who served, sacrificed, and shaped the Canada we know today.

With the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2025, Canadians across the country reflect on an extraordinary military legacy. More than one million Canadians served during the war, on land, at sea, and in the air. They fought through the Italian Campaign, stormed the beaches of Normandy, and liberated communities across the Netherlands. They confronted tyranny with courage, conviction, and sacrifice.

More than 45,000 Canadians never returned home. Their names, etched in stone and memory, remind us that freedom was earned through resilience, unity, and unwavering resolve. Generations of Canadian families carry these stories of service and loss, woven deeply into our national identity.

Canada’s commitment to service did not end in 1945. The Canadian Armed Forces have continued to serve with distinction in Korea, in peacekeeping missions in Cyprus, Bosnia, Rwanda, and the Middle East, and more recently in Afghanistan, Latvia, and Ukraine.

At home, Canadian service members safeguard Arctic sovereignty, respond to wildfires and floods, support search and rescue operations, and provide essential assistance during national emergencies. Their contributions demonstrate that remembrance extends beyond historic battlefields. It is reflected in every act of service that protects Canadians, in peace, in crisis, and in the everyday resilience of those who stand ready to serve.

Over the years, Beechwood has welcomed many of Canada’s serving and retired military members, soldiers, sailors, aviators, and special forces operators. Their stories of leadership, mentorship, and continued community service illustrate the lasting impact of a life dedicated to the nation.

Beechwood also regularly hosts international military representatives from Canada’s allied nations, including the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Latin American countries, and the United States. Their presence at ceremonies reflects a shared commitment to remembrance and reinforces the global bonds forged through service and sacrifice.

At the National Military Cemetery, every headstone represents a life lived in service and a promise kept to Canada. As families gather at the graves of loved ones, as children place poppies, and as veterans salute their comrades, the air fills with pride, gratitude, and continuity. This collective reflection forms the living heartbeat of remembrance.

General Harry Crerar’s message to his troops at the end of the Second World War continues to resonate eight decades later:

“You go back with your share of the magnificent reputation earned by the Canadians in every operation in which they have participated in this war. A fine reputation is a possession beyond price. Maintain it — for the sake of all of us, past and present — in the days ahead. Good luck to each one of you — and thanks for everything.”

His words serve as a reminder that remembrance is not static; it is a responsibility carried forward by each generation. At Beechwood Cemetery, this commitment remains steadfast. The National Military Cemetery stands as a place where sacrifice is honoured, service is remembered, and the legacy of those who defended Canada endures.

Remembrance is not only what Canadians do on November 11, it is part of who we are, and who we strive to be.

History

November 11, 2025

Echoes in Valour and Pride – Remembering the LGBT Purge at Beechwood

nmccarthy — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:28:39 +0000

Echoes in Valour and Pride – Remembering the LGBT Purge at Beechwood nmccarthy Thu, 11/13/2025 - 07:28:AM

On November 10, 2025, Beechwood Cemetery, in partnership with the Rainbow Veterans of Canada, hosted Echoes in Valour and Pride - The LGBT Purge: Stories of Betrayal, Courage, and Memory at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre. The evening was one of truth, remembrance, and reconciliation, an opportunity to reflect on a painful chapter in Canada’s history and to honour those whose courage and resilience helped shape a more inclusive nation.

A Moment of Reflection and Recognition

The afternnon began with a quiet wreath-laying ceremony at the National Military Cemetery. Members of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada gathered to honour those who were persecuted during the LGBT Purge - 2SLGBTQI+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, and the federal public service who were interrogated, dismissed, and discriminated against simply because of who they were.

As the wreath was placed, the moment was heavy with meaning. The silence that followed was profound—a collective acknowledgement of lives and legacies once pushed into the shadows, now finally recognized in the light of remembrance.

Bearing Witness to History

Inside the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, guests viewed the acclaimed documentary The Fruit Machine, a film that lays bare the sanctioned discrimination that took place between the 1950s and the mid-1990s. The screening brought to life stories of betrayal, pain, and perseverance - reminding all present that remembrance must include every story, even those that challenge us to confront the injustices of our past.

Following the film, a powerful panel discussion led by France Bergeron, veteran, Purge survivor, and author of Unwelcomed: Purged by the Church and the Canadian Armed Forces, provided an intimate window into the lived experiences of those directly affected. France’s testimony, along with the reflections of others, carried both heartbreak and hope. Their courage to speak transformed the evening from a commemoration into a collective act of understanding and resolve.

Honour on Remembrance Day

The next morning, during Beechwood’s National Military Cemetery Remembrance Day Ceremony, France Bergeron represented the Rainbow Veterans of Canada by laying the In Memoriam wreath. Her gesture served as a tribute not only to those who died in service but also to those lost to moral injury, the unseen wounds carried by those who endured discrimination and exclusion. Seeing her step forward on behalf of those once silenced was deeply symbolic. It reaffirmed Beechwood’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that remembrance includes every voice and every story.

Remembering with Pride

Echoes in Valour and Pride reminded all in attendance that remembrance is not static, it evolves as we open our hearts and minds to those whose service and sacrifices were once overlooked. It reaffirmed the responsibility we all share to protect dignity, equality, and humanity within the institutions that define our country.

For those wishing to learn more about this important chapter in Canadian history, The Fruit Machine is available for personal viewing through the LGBT Purge Fund: https://lgbtpurgefund.com/the-fruit-machine-available-for-personal-viewing/ .

At Beechwood Cemetery, we stand in solidarity and remembrance, honouring the service, the courage, and the love of all who wore the uniform. Because no one should ever be persecuted for who they love, and no one should ever be forgotten for how bravely they lived.

History

November 10, 2025

RCMP Veterans’ Week Commemorative Service 2025

nmccarthy — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:57:23 +0000

RCMP Veterans’ Week Commemorative Service 2025 nmccarthy Mon, 11/10/2025 - 02:57:PM

Honouring Service, Sacrifice, and the RCMP Legacy

On November 9, 2025, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood stood as a place of solemn remembrance and pride during the annual RCMP Veterans’ Week Commemorative Service. Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, veterans, recruits, and families gathered to pay tribute to those who have served and those who continue to serve under the RCMP’s guiding principles of integrity, courage, and dedication to Canada.

The ceremony began with the parade forming in front of the cenotaph, led by RCMP veterans in their red blazers and serving members in full dress uniform. The moment carried the weight of history, a living connection between generations who have worn the uniform and upheld the RCMP’s proud tradition of service.

An opening reflection acknowledged the shared commitment between the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces, and Canada’s policing and public safety communities. It underscored that remembrance is not just about the past, but about the ongoing duty to serve with integrity and compassion.

The Last Post sounded across the cemetery, followed by two minutes of silence. The stillness was profound - a moment where those gathered stood united in reflection and gratitude. The Lament and Reveille followed, powerful musical tributes that echoed through the grounds, symbolizing both mourning and renewal.

The Act of Remembrance, recited in both official languages, reminded all in attendance of the enduring promise: We will remember them.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the RCMP, veterans’ organizations, government representatives, and community partners. Each wreath represented a chapter in Canada’s story, a gesture of remembrance for the men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting Canadians, often in the face of great personal sacrifice. From serving officers to the families who support them, from veterans to the next generation of recruits, the gathering reflected the strength of the RCMP community and its unwavering commitment to honour those who came before.

The RCMP Veterans’ Week Commemorative Service stands as a yearly reminder that remembrance is not confined to a single day but woven into the fabric of the Force itself. It is reflected in every officer who serves, every veteran remembered, and every Canadian who pauses to give thanks. T

he RCMP motto, Maintiens le droit - Uphold the Right - resonates as both an oath and a legacy, carried forward by all who have served and continue to serve across Canada and around the world.

History

November 9, 2025

A New Zealand Dawn Act of Remembrance at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:10:04 +0000

A New Zealand Dawn Act of Remembrance at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Mon, 11/10/2025 - 10:10:AM

At 7:00 a.m. on November 10, under a calm and misted sky, members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the New Zealand High Commission in Canada gathered at the National Military Cemetery of Canada, located within Beechwood Cemetery, to conduct a solemn Act of Remembrance.

The early hour was deliberate, a continuation of the dawn service tradition that has become a defining element of New Zealand’s remembrance culture. As the first light rose over the headstones, the stillness of the morning echoed the reverence of Anzac Day ceremonies at home, connecting those present in Ottawa with New Zealanders standing in silence across the world.

Honouring SGT Pilot Blyth Kempton-Werohia

This year’s service centred on SGT Pilot Blyth Kempton-Werohia of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, who lost his life on 14 August 1942 while training in Canada with No. 31 Bombing & Gunnery School in Picton, Ontario. Only 21 years old, he was among thousands of New Zealanders who travelled abroad under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, forging the deep ties between New Zealand and Canada that endure to this day.

The service opened with words of welcome from the Defence Attaché, followed by a moment of silence. The Act of Remembrance (Ode) was read in both English and Te Reo Māori, reflecting the bicultural foundation of New Zealand’s identity. A reading of “In Flanders Fields” underscored the universality of loss and remembrance shared by all nations that served.

A wreath was then laid at SGT Kempton-Werohia’s headstone, and poppies were placed by NZDF members and representatives of the High Commission, each one a gesture of remembrance from a nation half a world away.

The Legacy of the Dawn Service

The dawn service holds a sacred place in New Zealand’s military tradition. As outlined by the New Zealand Defence Force, it represents the quiet time of day when soldiers once stood to arms, a moment of alertness and reflection, poised between darkness and light.

Across the world, from Gallipoli to Ottawa, the dawn hour has become a powerful symbol of remembrance, one that transcends geography and time. The act of gathering before sunrise embodies resilience, unity, and hope.

For those present at Beechwood, this was not only a remembrance of the past but also a reaffirmation of shared values between New Zealand and Canada, two nations that have stood together in war, peacekeeping, and the pursuit of global security.

We Will Remember Them

As the sun crested over the National Military Cemetery, the final words of the Ode carried through the quiet air:

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

"Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou."

Through this act of remembrance, the New Zealand Defence Force and the New Zealand High Commission honoured not only SGT Pilot Blyth Kempton-Werohia, but all New Zealanders who served and sacrificed abroad, ensuring that their memory lives on, even in the farthest corners of the world.

History

November 10, 2025

The Pillar Society Remembrance Week Ceremony at the CSIS National Memorial Cemetery

nmccarthy — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:22:43 +0000

The Pillar Society Remembrance Week Ceremony at the CSIS National Memorial Cemetery nmccarthy Fri, 11/07/2025 - 07:22:AM

Each year during Remembrance Week, a quiet but deeply meaningful ceremony takes place within the CSIS National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood, a place dedicated to those who have served Canada not just in uniform, but in silence and secrecy. The Pillar Society Remembrance Week Ceremony brings together members of Canada’s intelligence, security, and law enforcement communities, alongside veterans, allied representatives, and their families, to pay tribute to those who have safeguarded the nation from the shadows.

Under the autumn sky, the ceremony unfolds with familiar traditions of remembrance , the Last Post, the Act of Remembrance, and the recitation of In Flanders Fields. The Canadian Military Wives Choir of Ottawa and Uplands offers musical tributes that add both grace and solemnity to the moment. Wreaths are laid not only on behalf of Canada’s military and veterans’ associations but also by those representing CSIS, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), and allied nations including New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom.

It is a rare occasion where intelligence professionals, many of whom serve in silence, gather openly to remember their own. This simple act of remembrance transforms the cemetery into a space of shared reflection, one where the quiet sacrifices of the intelligence community are recognized with dignity and gratitude.

The ceremony serves as a poignant reminder that service to Canada takes many forms. While soldiers and peacekeepers serve visibly on the front lines, intelligence officers, analysts, and technical experts work tirelessly behind the scenes to prevent conflict, counter threats, and protect the nation’s interests. Their work, often classified and unacknowledged, has saved lives, strengthened alliances, and upheld the freedoms Canadians enjoy daily.

The CSIS National Memorial Cemetery stands as a testament to this enduring service. It honours not only those who served in the shadows during the Cold War and beyond but also those who continue that mission today in an increasingly complex world. As global tensions rise and new threats emerge, the dedication of Canada’s intelligence community remains unwavering, their vigilance constant, their contribution vital.

The presence of allied representatives from New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom reflects the enduring bonds within the Five Eyes alliance, built on trust, sacrifice, and shared responsibility. This cooperation underscores that remembrance extends beyond borders,it is a collective commitment to peace and democracy. The Pillar Society Remembrance Week Ceremony ensures that those who serve in silence are never forgotten.

As the final notes of God Save the King fade through the cemetery’s trees, the gathering stands united in one shared truth: remembrance is not only about the past, it is about honouring those who continue to protect Canada’s future.

History

November 7, 2025

The Act of Remembrance: Why These Words Endure

nmccarthy — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:12:08 +0000

The Act of Remembrance: Why These Words Endure nmccarthy Tue, 11/04/2025 - 07:12:AM

Each November, as Canadians gather in silence at cenotaphs, schools, and cemeteries across the country, a familiar verse rises above the stillness:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.”

This moment, known in Canada as The Act of Remembrance, stands at the heart of every ceremony held on or around November 11. It is more than recitation. It is a national pledge, a shared commitment that those who served and sacrificed for our freedom will never be forgotten.

The Origins of The Act of Remembrance

The words come from the fourth stanza of For the Fallen, a poem written by English poet Laurence Binyon in September 1914. Published in The Times shortly after the outbreak of the First World War, the poem honoured the soldiers who had fallen in the early battles in France and Belgium.

That stanza, beginning with “They shall grow not old…”, soon became known as The Ode of Remembrance. Across the Commonwealth, including Canada, it evolved into what we now call The Act of Remembrance, a formal and sacred part of commemorative services.

It has been spoken at every national Remembrance Day ceremony, from Parliament Hill to the smallest community memorial, as well as at services across the country including those at Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada.

The Meaning Behind the Words

Each line of The Act of Remembrance holds profound significance.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old” reminds us that those who died in service remain forever young in our collective memory.
“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn” acknowledges that their sacrifice stands above the passage of time or the judgment of history.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them” binds us to a promise ,to remember always, at dawn and dusk, in every generation.

When those gathered respond, “We will remember them,” it is not just tradition. It is an active vow , an affirmation of gratitude, service, and shared identity as Canadians.

Why It Matters

Today In an era of constant change, The Act of Remembrance endures as a touchstone of national memory. It bridges generations, uniting veterans, serving members, families, and citizens in a single moment of respect.

At National Military Cemetery, these words echo through the crisp November air each year, connecting the past to the present, and reminding us of our duty to carry remembrance forward.

The Act of Remembrance is not simply about looking back; it is about reaffirming who we are as a nation, compassionate, grateful, and forever mindful of those who gave their all.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

History

November 4, 2025

Off

80 Years Later: Honouring the End of the Second World War at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:33:04 +0000

80 Years Later: Honouring the End of the Second World War at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Fri, 08/15/2025 - 09:33:AM

In 2025, Canada joins the world in marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a conflict that forever shaped our nation and the global order. It was a war fought on every ocean and continent, demanding courage, sacrifice, and resolve from millions. For Canada, it was a defining moment: more than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in uniform between 1939 and 1945, with tens of thousands never returning home.

At Beechwood Cemetery, the National Military Cemetery of Canada stands as a living memorial to that service. Here, visitors can walk among the graves and memorials of those who fought for freedom, each headstone telling a story of a life dedicated to duty. These are not only markers of the past; they are reminders of the enduring cost of peace.

The end of the Second World War on August 15, 1945, with the surrender of Japan following Victory in Europe Day on May 8, was a moment of collective relief, joy, and reflection. But the victory came at an enormous price: more than 45,000 Canadians lost their lives, and over 55,000 were wounded. Many who returned carried invisible scars that would last a lifetime.

Canada emerged with a stronger international presence, contributing to the founding of the United Nations and becoming a committed partner in the defence of democracy worldwide.

The National Military Cemetery is home to the resting places of many Second World War veterans. From infantry soldiers who fought in the liberation of Europe to sailors who braved the Battle of the Atlantic and aircrew who flew perilous bombing raids over enemy territory, their service is woven into the fabric of this sacred ground.

Walking through the cemetery, visitors can see the names of those who fought in Normandy, Dieppe, Hong Kong, Italy, and countless other theatres of war. As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, it is not enough to simply recall the events. We must reflect on the values for which they fought , freedom, justice, and peace, and ensure they remain cornerstones of our society.

The National Military Cemetery is a place where Canadians can connect with these values in a tangible, personal way. Eighty years on, the Second World War is no longer living memory for most Canadians. The responsibility to remember now rests with us. Through education, commemoration, and personal reflection, we keep alive the stories of those who served and sacrificed.

Visit, Remember, Reflect

In marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Beechwood Cemetery invites all Canadians to visit the National Military Cemetery. Walk its paths, read the names, and take a moment to consider the lives behind each stone. These grounds are not only a place of rest, they are a place of learning, understanding, and gratitude.

In 1945, Canada helped bring the world back from the brink. In 2025, we honour that legacy, ensuring it continues to inspire and guide us for generations to come.

History

August 15, 2025

New: Remembering the North-West Resistance Through Beechwood’s History

nmccarthy — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:30:53 +0000

New: Remembering the North-West Resistance Through Beechwood’s History nmccarthy Wed, 08/06/2025 - 01:30:PM

The year 1885 marked a defining moment in Canada’s development—a confrontation on the Prairies that tested the limits of Confederation, challenged government authority, and reshaped relations with Métis and First Nations communities. Known historically as the North-West Rebellion, it is now more respectfully and accurately referred to as the North-West Resistance, recognizing the agency and rights of those who stood in defence of their land, culture, and autonomy.

Beechwood Cemetery, National Cemetery of Canada, holds a unique and enduring connection to this chapter in our nation’s past. We are proud to announce the release of a new eBook that explores the lives and legacies of the individuals buried here who were directly involved in the events of 1885, from soldiers and officers who served on the field, to policymakers who shaped the country’s response.

This eBook provides more than just historical facts, it serves as a reflection on how memory, identity, and reconciliation intersect. Each biography included tells part of the larger story of how the conflict unfolded, how it was understood at the time, and how it continues to echo in our national consciousness.

Among those profiled are:

William Osgoode and John Rogers, Ottawa Sharpshooters killed at the Battle of Cut Knife Hill and buried with full military honours at Beechwood.
Sir Donald A. Macdonald, the Quarter-Master General responsible for outfitting Canadian troops during the Resistance and later during the First World War.
Rev. Harold Horsey, who served both in the North-West Resistance and in Europe as a military chaplain.
Samuel Maynard Rogers, who remained a key figure in Canadian military life for decades after 1885. T

his publication supports Beechwood’s ongoing mission to honour all facets of Canadian history, even the complex ones, through inclusive remembrance. As we continue our national journey toward truth and understanding, this eBook offers a way to revisit history through the lens of those who lived it, and are now part of the very landscape of memory we preserve.

Download the eBook now and take a step into the stories of those who helped shape Canada during one of its most turbulent chapters.

History

September 4, 2025

Section 29 of the National Military Cemetery: A Place of Honour and Remembrance

nmccarthy — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 11:55:33 +0000

Section 29 of the National Military Cemetery: A Place of Honour and Remembrance nmccarthy Tue, 08/05/2025 - 07:55:AM

Section 29 stands as one of the oldest and most significant military burial grounds in Canada’s capital. It tells the story of two world wars, the sacrifices made by Canada and its allies, and the enduring commitment to preserve the memory of those who served.

The western part of Section 29 was formally established in 1918 by the Soldiers’ Aid Commission and the Department of Militia and Defence, during the final months of the First World War. Originally created to honour those who died in the conflict, the section soon became the central location for First World War casualties at Beechwood.

In 1922, several war dead who had been buried in single plots throughout the cemetery were respectfully reinterred here, creating a unified space of remembrance. Today, the rows of uniform headstones represent the deep loss felt across Canada, and across the Commonwealth.

A Commonwealth Sacrifice

While many of those buried in Section 29 were Canadian soldiers, the section also includes numerous graves of soldiers from the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the deeply interconnected nature of the Commonwealth war effort. These individuals came from across the globe to fight alongside Canadians. Some were stationed in Canada during the war, others succumbed to wounds sustained overseas, and some were buried here after seeking refuge or receiving treatment in Canada. Their presence at Beechwood is a solemn reminder that the fight for peace crossed oceans and united nations.

Section 29 is primarily known for its First World War burials, but it continued to be used for both veterans and war dead of the Second World War. Generations of servicemen and women are laid to rest here—some who died in combat, others who lived to return home but carried the invisible scars of war for the rest of their lives. Here, one finds the graves of infantry soldiers, pilots, nurses, sailors, and other personnel, each representing a vital link in the chain of service.

Maintained in Perpetuity: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

A bronze plaque in the heart of Section 29 commemorates the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which ensures that the graves and memorials of Commonwealth war dead are meticulously maintained.

The plaque reads:

“The Commonwealth War Graves Commission was established by Royal Charter of 21 May 1914 and is responsible for the maintenance of graves and memorials in some 150 countries of nearly 1,700,000 members of the Commonwealth who died in the two world wars. It is funded by partner governments in proportion to the war dead in its care—those of Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Newfoundland was a full and equal partner until it entered the Canadian Federation in 1949 and its share was assumed by the Government of Canada. The war dead commemorated here and elsewhere are of many faiths and of none.”

The CWGC's work reflects a shared responsibility across nations. Its presence at Beechwood symbolizes Canada’s continued role in honouring global military heritage and sacrifice. Within Section 29 rest young men barely out of their teens, who died in training accidents or shortly after returning from war.

Some graves bear the names of those who died at home due to war-related illness or injury. Others belonged to decorated veterans, leaders, and caregivers. The diversity of backgrounds, ranks, and regiments offers a powerful narrative of shared sacrifice and duty. Many graves are inscribed with the badges of Commonwealth regiments, their stones aligned in solemn rows. Walking through Section 29 is to walk through a living chapter of our collective history.

Today, Section 29 is more than a military burial ground. It is a space of reflection and education. It serves as a place where Canadians and visitors from around the world, can remember, honour, and learn.

As part of the National Military Cemetery, this section offers a tangible connection to Canada’s past. Whether through commemorative ceremonies, quiet moments of reflection, or visits by families of the fallen, Section 29 continues to serve its mission: ensuring that none who served are ever forgotten.

History

August 7, 2025