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Honouring Service and Heritage: The Second Annual Lebanese-Canadian Military Remembrance Ceremony

nmccarthy — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:02:26 +0000

Honouring Service and Heritage: The Second Annual Lebanese-Canadian Military Remembrance Ceremony nmccarthy Tue, 11/25/2025 - 07:02:AM

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.

News

November 25, 2025

Honouring Australia’s Fallen at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:05:26 +0000

Honouring Australia’s Fallen at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Thu, 11/13/2025 - 10:05:AM

Wreath Laying and Remembrance Service

Earlier today, representatives of the Australian High Commission gathered at the National Military Cemetery of Canada for a solemn act of remembrance, honouring two young Royal Australian Air Force trainees who lost their lives while serving and training in Ottawa during the Second World War.

Commander Andy Duff, Royal Australian Navy, served as Master of Ceremonies, joined by High Commissioner Kate Logan and Captain Emma Gaudry, RAN, Australia’s Defence Advisor to Canada and members of the Defence Team. Together, they laid a wreath in tribute to Aircraftman Douglas Mervyn Lord and Leading Aircraftman Harry William Long, reinforcing the enduring bond between Australia and Canada, nations long united in service, sacrifice, and shared history.

Shared History Through the Empire Air Training Scheme

During the Second World War, Australia and Canada were central contributors to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) - known in Australia as the Empire Air Training Scheme. Canada became the world’s largest training ground for Allied aircrew, offering immense airspace, safety from enemy attack, and a climate suited to year-round flying.

More than 10,000 Australians crossed the Pacific to train in Canada. These young men strengthened Allied air capabilities across the European, North African, and Pacific theatres, forming one of the most significant international training movements of the war.

Aircraftman Douglas Mervyn Lord, born in Melbourne in 1919, was among those who came to Ottawa for pilot training. On 6 May 1941, his aircraft crashed near Uplands Airport, killing both Lord and Flying Officer Bennett L. Duffey. Lord was 22 years old.

Leading Aircraftman Harry William Long, born in 1921, also trained under this program. He died at 20 years old when his Harvard trainer crashed at Black Rapids on 15 August 1941.

Their deaths remind us that training itself carried extraordinary risk—risk accepted willingly in service to a world in crisis.

A Partnership Forged Across Generations

Australia and Canada have stood together across decades of global conflict and peace operations: Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, multinational maritime missions, and intelligence and security partnerships that continue today. The sacrifice of Lord and Long speaks to the deep, ongoing ties between our nations, ties born of shared purpose and shaped by generations of service members who stood for the same values.

A Moment of Reflection: The Full Reading of For the Fallen

One of the most powerful moments of today’s ceremony came with Commander Duff’s full reading of Laurence Binyon’s For the Fallen.

It is rare for the entire poem to be read during a remembrance service. Hearing every verse offered a deeper, more solemn reflection on loss, courage, and the enduring responsibility to remember. The full reading connected those gathered not only to the famous Ode of Remembrance, but to the broader themes of sacrifice and hope that Binyon intended, a profound tribute to these young Australian airmen who never returned home.

At the National Military Cemetery, we remain committed to honouring the men and women who served under the Empire Air Training Scheme and all who answered the call of duty. The stories of Douglas Mervyn Lord and Harry William Long live on through our shared commitment to remembrance and through the enduring partnership between Australia and Canada.

We will remember them.

News

November 13, 2025

No Stone Left Alone: Youth in Action at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:22:29 +0000

No Stone Left Alone: Youth in Action at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Thu, 11/06/2025 - 07:22:AM

On November 4, 2025, the National Military Cemetery of Canada once again became a place of reflection, remembrance, and education. The No Stone Left Alone – National Capital Region Girl Guides Ceremony brought together hundreds of young Canadians, their leaders, and members of the community for a moving act of remembrance.

Gathered under the autumn sky, participants assembled near the central monument as the flags were prepared and the vigil party—members of the 76 Communications Regiment—took their positions.

Students shared powerful literary and poetic reflections, honouring the sacrifices of those who served in the air, on land, and at sea. The bilingual readings of In Flanders Fields, The Naval Hymn, and When I Think of Famous Men (air force) served as reminders that remembrance transcends language, culture, and generation. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces stood alongside the students, reinforcing the living connection between past and present service.

The Act of Remembrance, read in both official languages by members of the 76 Communications Regiment, was followed by the Last Post, two minutes of silence, the Rouse, and a solemn lament on the bagpipes. Each moment reflected the dignity and unity that define remembrance in Canada.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the Canadian Government, Canada’s Armed Forces, and the students.

As the ceremony concluded, participants were invited to place poppies on the headstones of fallen service members—a symbolic promise that no soldier’s name, nor their sacrifice, will ever be forgotten. Across the National Military Cemetery of Canada, hundreds of red poppies stood out against the grey stones, a vivid tableau of memory and gratitude created by the hands of youth.

Special thanks to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) for sharing photographs that captured these poignant moments of remembrance.

News

November 6, 2025

Wreaths Across Canada 2025 is cancelled

ewagner — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:35:19 +0000

Wreaths Across Canada 2025 is cancelled ewagner Wed, 10/29/2025 - 11:35:AM

The Wreaths Across Canada Board is sad to share that, due to some unexpected life events, we will not be able to host the 2025 wreath event.

Serving our Veteran community is deeply important to our Board, which makes this decision even more difficult. We never step back lightly—especially when it involves an event meant to honour and support those who have served.

Hope you can understand and thank you for your compassion; patience, and unwavering commitment to our Veterans.

We plan to meet in January to set up for a successful ceremony/celebration in December 2026.

On behalf of the Wreaths Across Canada Board, we wish All a safe and happy holiday season!!!

Cyndi Mills

Wreaths Across Canada President

News

October 30, 2025

Remembrance in Action: Merivale High School’s Annual Visit to the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:20:57 +0000

Remembrance in Action: Merivale High School’s Annual Visit to the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Wed, 10/29/2025 - 10:20:AM

Each year, students from Merivale High School take part in a profound act of remembrance at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood. Guided by their history teacher, Christine Sabourin, the students embark on an educational journey that brings Canada’s military history to life.

The visit begins with a guided tour led by Beechwood, where students learn about Canada’s role in wars, international conflicts, and humanitarian missions. Through the stories of those who served, from the World Wars to modern peacekeeping operations, students gain a deeper understanding of the courage, resilience, and global impact of Canada’s military members.

As part of this experience, each student adopts the story of a fallen Canadian Armed Forces member buried within the cemetery. They research the individual’s life and service, then stand beside that soldier’s headstone to present their story aloud, ensuring that their name and legacy are remembered where they rest.

This is Remembrance in Action, a living connection between generations. It transforms history from something learned in a classroom to something felt and understood through personal reflection.

Through the dedication of Christine Sabourin and the partnership with Beechwood, Merivale High School continues to inspire students to honour the past, engage with remembrance, and carry these lessons forward for the future.

News

October 29, 2025

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Grief and Remembrance: Carrying Their Memory Forward

nmccarthy — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:43:17 +0000

Grief and Remembrance: Carrying Their Memory Forward nmccarthy Tue, 10/28/2025 - 09:43:AM

Each November, as Canada observes Remembrance Week, we pause as a nation to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of our Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans. But beyond the ceremonies, the silence, and the poppies, there is a quieter, more personal form of remembrance, the enduring grief carried by families who have lost someone who served.

The Weight of Loss

For those who have buried a spouse, parent, sibling, or child in uniform, Remembrance Week is not just a time of national reflection, it is deeply personal. The empty seat at the dinner table. The medals resting in a display case. The folded flag tucked away, representing both pride and pain.

Grief, especially in the shadow of service, is layered with complexity. There is pride in knowing that their loved one answered Canada’s call, but there is also the ache of a life interrupted, a voice silenced too soon. At Beechwood, home of the National Military Cemetery, we see this every day. The stories carved in stone tell of devotion, duty, and love, and the families who continue to carry their memory forward.

A Community of Remembering

Remembrance does not end with a single day. It lives in the acts of care we extend to those left behind, in the communities that rally around Veterans’ families, in the schools that teach the next generation the meaning of sacrifice, and in the quiet spaces like Beechwood where reflection meets gratitude.

Every poppy placed, every wreath laid, and every tear shed connects us as Canadians. Together, we acknowledge that grief is not a private burden but a shared responsibility. When we honour our fallen, we also honour those who live with their absence.

Two Acts of Living Remembrance

There are ways each of us can help carry forward the legacies of those who served, transforming grief into gratitude, and remembrance into action.

Visit and Reflect – Take time to visit a local military cemetery or memorial site. Stand before the headstones. Read the names. Reflect on the lives lived and the families who continue to remember. These quiet moments of connection remind us that remembrance is not abstract, it is deeply human and enduring.
Share Their Story – Speak their name aloud. Post a photo, a memory, or a reflection on social media. Tell their story to a child or grandchild. Every time we share a story of service, we ensure that their values, courage, honour, and love of country, continue to inspire future generations.

Finding Light in Memory

Grief changes shape, but it never disappears. For many, it becomes a source of strength, a reminder of the values their loved one lived by: courage, service, and love of country.

In remembering them, we commit ourselves to building the kind of Canada they believed in, one rooted in compassion, resilience, and peace.

This Remembrance Week, may we all take a moment not only to remember the names engraved on memorials but also to hold in our hearts those who mourn them still. Their love keeps the flame of remembrance alive.

News

October 30, 2025

No Fall addition of the Beechwood Way Magazine

ewagner — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:52:20 +0000

No Fall addition of the Beechwood Way Magazine ewagner Mon, 10/27/2025 - 11:52:AM

Notice to Our Readers
Due to the ongoing Canada Post strike and the resulting mail delivery disruptions, we have decided not to release the current issue of the Beechwood Way Magazine. Instead, we will combine our planned content into a larger, special edition that will be published in February. We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this time.

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Honouring Service Through Stewardship: The 21st Annual National Day of Tribute at Beechwood

nmccarthy — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:51:14 +0000

Honouring Service Through Stewardship: The 21st Annual National Day of Tribute at Beechwood nmccarthy Fri, 10/24/2025 - 08:51:AM

This morning, Beechwood Cemetery, home of the National Military Cemetery of Canada, once again became a place of community action and quiet gratitude.

The 21st Annual National Day of Tribute brought together landscapers, horticulturalists, and members of Landscape Ontario – Ottawa Chapter, from across the region to volunteer their time, skill, and resources in honour of Canada’s Armed Forces Members and Veterans.

What began more than two decades ago as a grassroots initiative has grown into one of the most meaningful acts of service in Beechwood’s annual calendar. Each year, professionals from across the green industry come together not just to care for the grounds, but to ensure that the sacred resting place of those who served remains a living reflection of respect, beauty, and remembrance.

Throughout the morning, teams worked side by side, enhancing the landscape that frames the National Military Cemetery. Their collective effort transforms this national site of memory, ensuring it remains a serene and dignified space for families, visitors, and future generations.

“This day is a true expression of community and gratitude,” said Nicolas McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Outreach at Beechwood Cemetery. “Each volunteer, each company, and each act of service contributes to maintaining the legacy of those who served our nation.”

Beechwood extends its deepest thanks to Peter Campbell, Landscape Ontario- Ottawa Chapter, and all its dedicated members who continue to make this initiative possible year after year. Their leadership, commitment, and generosity exemplify what it means to honour those who have served — through action, care, and community spirit.

As the event enters its third decade, Beechwood remains profoundly grateful to every participant, sponsor, and supporter who lends their expertise and compassion to this meaningful day.

Together, we honour our Veterans not only through ceremony, but through the living landscape that tells their story.

News

October 24, 2025

Honouring the Latin-American Community’s Service and Sacrifice

nmccarthy — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:19:20 +0000

Honouring the Latin-American Community’s Service and Sacrifice nmccarthy Wed, 10/22/2025 - 07:19:AM

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.

News

October 22, 2025

A Community United in Remembrance: Volunteers Restore Headstones at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:46:26 +0000

A Community United in Remembrance: Volunteers Restore Headstones at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Mon, 10/20/2025 - 08:46:AM

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

News

October 20, 2025