Commemoration of the Amicitia France-Canada Monument: A Remembrance Ceremony

By Captain Rey Garcia-Salas

Ottawa, Canada – On November 10th, a solemn and moving Remembrance ceremony was held at Beechwood National Cemetery to commemorate the unveiling a plaque describing the history and importance of the Amicitia France-Canada monument. The event brought together dignitaries, veterans, members of the Franco-Canadian community, as well as representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces and the French Embassy, to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifices of French and Canadian soldiers who have fought side by side in times of war and peace.

The ceremony was a deeply significant occasion that underscored the enduring friendship between France and Canada, a bond that has been built over centuries of shared history, cultural exchange, and military cooperation. The monument, known as Amicitia, features two forearms brandishing a torch, a powerful symbol of the unity and strength of the Franco-Canadian partnership. Through its design, the monument serves as a lasting tribute to the unbreakable ties between these two nations, whose soldiers have supported one another on countless battlefields.

The Remembrance ceremony included several poignant moments, each designed to honor the bravery of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom. Key elements of the ceremony included:

• A Wreath-Laying Ceremony: Dignitaries from Canada and France laid wreaths at the base of the Amicitia monument, symbolizing respect and remembrance for the fallen soldiers of both nations.
  • Onbehalf of France –  Frank Marchetti Ministre-conseiller de l’ambassade de France au Canada
  • On behalf of the Canadian Armed Force-  MajorGeneral Smith
  • On behalf of the French Forces – Lieutenant-colonel Charles Hugonnet, chef du service de sécurité intérieure de l’Ambassade de France au Canada et son adjoint l’ Adjudant-chef Christophe VIS and Premier Maitre Emilie Keflin, assistante à la Mission de défense de l’Ambassade de France
  • On behalf of the Beechwood National Military Cemetery – Nick McCarthy
  • On behalf of AMICITIA & French Souvenir – Andre Levesque and Christophe Raisonnier
  • On behalf of Latin American Soldiers Committee – Giuseppe Marconi
• A Last Post and Rouse Ceremony: A bugler from the Canadian Armed Forces performed the traditional Last Post, followed by the Rouse, a powerful moment of reflection for all in attendance.
• A Moment of Silence: Attendees observed a silent pause to honor the sacrifices made by those who served and perished during wars.
• Readings by Students: Students from the local community paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of French and Canadian soldiers through readings that highlighted the shared history of the two nations.
• Speeches by Dignitaries: Among the speakers were Honorable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier; Frank Marchetti, Minister-Counselor at the French Embassy in Canada; and Major-General Huddlestone, Deputy Vice Chief of Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces. Their speeches reflected the deep gratitude both countries feel for the bravery and sacrifices of their soldiers.

The event also attracted several prominent dignitaries, including Lucille Collard, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier; Steve Desroche, Ottawa City Councillor; Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Hugonnet, Chef du service de sécuritéintérieure at the French Embassy in Canada; as well as André Levesque and Christophe Raisonnier, Co-Founders of AMICITIA France-Canada.

A notable addition to the ceremony was the presence of the Latin American Soldiers Committee, which attended to honor the bravery of Latin American soldiers who fought alongside French and Canadian forces in various military conflicts and peacekeeping missions. The committee’s attendance underscored the broad, multinational alliances that have defined the history of the Amicitia partnership.

One such soldier who stands out as the connection of Latin American, Canada and France is the Argentinean Pilot Bernardo de Laminat, Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 25, 1920, Bernardo de Laminat joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940 at the age of 20. A distinguished pilot who flew the iconic Supermarine Spitfire during World War II, de Laminat’s bravery and skill earned him numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross from Great Britain and the Knight of the Legion of Honor from France.

De Laminat’s military career is a testament to the shared sacrifices of Latin American, French, and Canadian soldiers. He completed over 300 combat missions across North Africa and Europe, earning respect for his fearless pursuit of duty. His story is an example of the deep and lasting bonds that have united these nations in times of conflict and peace.

The Latin American Soldiers Committee’s participation in the ceremony was a powerful reminder of the international dimension of the Franco-Canadian alliance. By honoring de Laminat and other Latin American soldiers, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the shared history of Latin America, France, and Canada—a history that reflects the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and shared values.

The Amicitia France-Canada monument will continue to stand as a permanent symbol of the friendship between France and Canada. It reminds future generations of the importance of preserving and promoting the shared history and heritage of both nations, as well as the broader international alliances that have shaped their shared legacy.

For more information about the Amicitia France-Canada monument and its significance, please visit the official website:https://www.amicitiafrancecanada.com/en

The ceremony not only honored the bravery of past generations but also reaffirmed the shared commitment to peace, unity, and mutual respect between the people of France, Canada, and their international partners.