Honouring Heritage and Sacrifice: Latin American Remembrance Ceremonies During Heritage Month 2024

From Left to Right: S1 Susana Vanegas Tobón; ASlt Sebestian Vanegas Pizarro; MS Renato Salvador Zelada-Huezo; S1 Andrew Dawe.

By Captain Rey Garcia-Salas.- Latin American Heritage Month 2024 brought a unique opportunity to reflect on the rich contributions of Latin Americans to Canada’s defence and freedom. As part of this celebration, the Latin American Heritage Month Planning Committee, comprised of members of the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF),the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC) and community representatives, hosted a series of impactful remembrance ceremonies in Ottawa, Victoria, and Riga. These events honoured the legacy of Latin American veterans who served in Canada’s military from the First World War to today.

The ceremonies began on October 6, 2024, with two simultaneous events in Ottawa and Victoria. The National Military Cemetery in Ottawa hosted the 3rd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony, co-hosted by the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC) and the Embassy of Peru. This event paid tribute to the sacrifices and resilience of Latin American soldiers who fought under the Canadian flag, forging enduring bonds between Latin American and Canadian communities.

At the Veterans Cemetery (God’s Acre) in Victoria, a solemn and meaningful ceremony was led by S1 Anna Karina Ortiz, a distinguished member of the Royal Canadian Navy. With the steadfast support of her chain of command at Esquimalt Base, S1 Ortiz, accompanied by MS Salvador Zelada-Hueso and S1 Ivan Vanegas Lopez, shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of Latin American heroes.

S1 Ortiz underscored the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality while proudly honouring her Colombian heritage. The significance of the event was further reflected in the involvement of two chaplains: Maj Daniel Walton, Senior Chaplain, and Capt Anthony Divinagracia, Fleet Chaplain. This impactful ceremony was a testament to the shared values and unity within the CAF and the broader community.

Across the Atlantic, on October 12, 2024, with El Salvador roots, spearheaded a remembrance ceremony at the Great Cemetery Riga in Latvia. Supported by Maj Gonzalez underscored the enduring legacy of Latin Americans in Canada’s military and the importance of fostering unity and understanding through shared history.

a remembrance ceremony was held at the Great Cemetery Riga in Latvia. Spearheaded by Maj Mario Gonzalez, whose heritage traces back to El Salvador, the event was supported by Lt Jose Valdivia, Sgt Otalvaro Duarte, and Cpl Ramos Valderruten. Maj Gonzalez underscored the enduring legacy of Latin Americans in Canada’s military and the importance of fostering unity and understanding through shared history.

From right to left: Capt Anthony Divinagracia(fleet Chaplain); S1 Susana Vanegas Tobón; ASLt Sebastian Vanegas Pizarro; S1 Ivan Dario Vanegas Lopez; S3 Anna Karina Ortiz Ruiz; MS Renato Salvador Zelada-Huezo; S1 Andrew Dawe; Maj Daniel Walton (senior Chaplain)

During the Ottawa ceremony, His Excellency Manuel Gerardo Talavera Espinar, Peru’s Ambassador to Canada, shared the stories of four Latin American veterans whose sacrifices shaped Canada’s military history:

• Trimer Vic Crothalin, a Peruvian who served aboard the SS Halifax during the First World War, working tirelessly in its engine room until the ship’s tragic sinking.
• Sailor A. Velasquez, who served aboard the HMS Royal Edward and exemplified bravery in Canada’s naval efforts.
• Democrito (Mito) Ribeiro and Francisco (Paco) Perez, pioneering Peruvian aviators who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the Second World War and contributed significantly to the Allied war effort.

The solemn wreath-laying ceremony served as the heart of the Ottawa event, with representatives from Canada, Peru, and other Latin American communities paying their respects. Lt Col Frank Maloney led the Act of Remembrance in English, French, and Spanish, bridging cultures and languages in honour of the fallen. Catherine Gamarra, representing the Embassy of Peru, recited Mass by César Vallejo, a powerful poem that encapsulated the resilience and sorrow of those who serve.

The ceremony’s highlights included a presentation by Brigadier General Christopher Robidoux, who awarded Jane Koester a certificate recognizing her father Denis Koester’s service during the Second World War. Traditional garments and cultural symbols from Guatemala and Peru, shared by Centre Culturel Jaguar Ix Balam and Casa Cultural Peruana, enriched the event’s atmosphere with vibrant displays of Latin American heritage.

Remembrance ceremonies like these serve as a bridge between the past and the future. As Maj Gonzalez aptly stated, “If we do not remember them, future generations will not remember us.” These events underscore the sacrifices made by those who fought for human rights, freedom, and dignity, forming the foundation of the Canada we cherish today. S1 Ortiz further highlighted that these Latin American veterans represented diverse backgrounds, races, and colours, all of whom were embraced with respect by the CAF. Reflecting on her own ancestry, she shared her pride in her European, African, Asian, and Indigenous American roots.

The next Latin American Remembrance Ceremony is scheduled for October 19, 2025, at Beechwood National Military Cemetery, co-hosted by the Embassy of Guatemala. Additional ceremonies will also take place in Victoria, Latvia, and other locations. These events will continue the proud tradition of honouring the courage, dedication, and indomitable spirit of Latin Americans who have contributed to Canada’s defence.

These ceremonies are more than moments of reflection—they are a call to action to preserve and share the stories of Latin American heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.