Honoring Unsung Heroes: 2nd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony at Beechwood National Cemetery

Posted On 02 Nov 2023

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2nd Annual Latin America Remembrance Day

By Captain Rey Garcia-Salas. – In the silent reverence of the Beechwood National Military Cemetery, a mosaic of courage and sacrifice painted the air during the 2nd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony on October 15th, 2023. Co-hosted by the Embassy of Argentine, Beechwood Cemetery, and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada (Nick McCarthy, Giuseppe Marconi and Captain Rey Garcia-Salas), this event stood not just as a commemoration but as a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who traversed continents, leaving their homes behind to defend freedom during the First and Second World Wars. Nick McCarthy was the Master of Ceremony.

Ambassador of Argentina, Her Excellency Josefina Martínez Gramuglia, spoke of the combatants from Argentina who fought valiantly in WWI. “It is estimated that some 4,800 combatants went from Argentina to fight in the British Army during the Great War, some 5,800 in the French Army, and a staggering 32,400 in the Italian Army,” she declared solemnly. Her words echoed with the weight of history, underlining the immense sacrifices made by Argentinians on distant battlefields.

Additionally, Ambassador Martínez Gramuglia highlighted the Argentineans who enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Expeditionary Force. Over 90 brave souls from Latin Americans stood alongside their Canadian counterparts, a testament to the international camaraderie forged in the crucible of war. Even in WWII, while Argentina remained a neutral country, over 5,000 volunteers served, including 400 women. These women, including the legendary Maureen Dunlop, the “pilot of Las Pampas,” joined the Air Transport Auxiliary of the RAF. Their mission was not just crucial; it was groundbreaking. Dunlop flew thirty-eight different types of aircraft, showcasing her exceptional skill. Post-war, she qualified as an RAF flight instructor, imparting her knowledge to new generations of pilots, including those of Aerolineas Argentinas and the Argentine Air Force, although they did not grant her the wings of a military aviator.

Nurse Sister Iona Katherine Wishart, an emblem of dedication and valor, was remembered for her unwavering commitment. Even in the face of unimaginable tragedy during a German bombing Raid at the No1 Canadian General Hospital on May 19, 1918, she continued to care for the injured soldiers despite suffering from Nervous Shock and Neurasthenia. Her story became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, inspiring generations with her bravery.

Alongside these extraordinary women, there were men like Juan Conran and Bernardo Noel de Larminat, whose feats in the air became legendary. Conran became the first Argentine to bomb Berlin, a harrowing mission that showcased his unyielding resolve. On the other hand, Larminat, in his remarkable career, carried out 345 combat missions, shot down three aircraft, damaged two, and destroyed fifty cars and five trains. His bravery and tenacity made him the most decorated Argentine pilot in both the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force. These stories, etched in the annals of history, stood as testaments to the indomitable spirit of the Argentinean people.

In the presence of the respected diplomatic corps, dedicated Canadian Armed Forces members, Military Attaches, political groups, and the numerous communities, government organizations, and families gracing the occasion, the Latin American Remembrance Ceremony became more than an event; it became a legacy. The stories of Sister Iona Katherine Wishart, Pilot Officer Bernardo Noel Marie De Laminat, Maureen Dunlop, Juan Conran, and countless others came alive, reminding everyone that their sacrifices continue to inspire, uniting nations and communities in a collective pledge: to remember, honor, and never forget.

2nd Annual Latin America Remembrance Day, Captain Rey Garcia-Salas.

Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada, echoed the sentiments of the gathering. He stood as a beacon of unity and strength, paying tribute to the soldiers who not only fought in wars but in the hearts of those who remembered their valor. His voice, steady and unwavering, encapsulated the essence of the ceremony.

Throughout the event, the representation of diverse communities using traditional clothing bore witness to the rich tapestry of cultures present. The Guatemalan Community, represented by the Center Culturel Ix Balam from Montreal, and Guatemaltecos En Ontario, adorned themselves in colorful traditional garments, standing as living representatives of a vibrant heritage.

Likewise, the Peruvian Community, represented by Casa Cultural Peruana from Toronto, shared their vivid traditional clothing reflecting their deep-rooted customs.

The Dominican Republic Community, embodied by Ana Maríah Salas and her traditional attire, underlined the importance of culture and tradition.

MGen Michel-Henri St. Louis, Canadian Defence Attaché to the United States,read the Remembrance Act in English, French and Spanish. As the ceremony reached its culmination, wreaths were laid on behalf of various entities. Canada was represented by Rober Lӧken, who paid his respects on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. The Argentine Republic, through Ambassador Martínez Gramuglia, extended its heartfelt condolences. The Canadian Armed Forces honored the fallen through Vice Chief of the Defense Staff, Lieutenant-General Frances Allen. The Veterans of All Wars, represented by Captain Terry Hunter, paid homage to those who served.

In Memoriam wreath was laid by Captain Garcia-Salas and Giuseppe Marconi. Various communities also stood together to remember their fallen heroes. Betsy Requena, President of Casa Cultural Peruana, represented the Latin American Community and Rene Cordero, representing the Panamanians in Canada, placed a wreath, a symbol of their enduring gratitude. The last wreath was laid by Maple Leaf March members.

A significant moment came when MGen Michel-Henri St. Louis, opened the envelope gave by Giuseppe Marconi designating Peru as next year’s co-host. There was no first runner-up, emphasizing the importance of Peru’s role in the upcoming ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt poem read by Counsellor Pedro Xavier Alchourron from the Argentinian Embassy. “BOMBARDMENT” by Gustavo Caso Rosendi echoed through the graves, a haunting reminder of the sacrifices made, resonating with the attendees long after the ceremony had ended.

Thereafter, the poignant moments continued inside the main reception building at Beechwood, where the Field of Sacrifice exhibition immortalized the bravery of these soldiers. Their names, etched in history, were presented to Ambassador Martínez Gramuglia by the Latin American Soldiers Committee. This gesture, laden with reverence, was a symbolic passing of the torch, ensuring that the stories of these heroes remained alive in the hearts and minds of future generations. Then, Fabiola Yzeta-Vincent talked about the First ever Field Sacrifice Exhibition at Gallery 55 last year.

In these moments of unity, reverence, and remembrance, the Latin American Remembrance Ceremony at Beechwood became more than an event; it became a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought and those who continue to honor their legacy. United in gratitude, the attendees departed, their hearts heavy with the weight of history, yet buoyed by the hope that these stories of courage and sacrifice would forever remain etched in the annals of time.

Next year’s Latin American Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Sunday 13 October 2024 at the same cemetery. Everyone is welcome to attend.

BOMBARDMENT, by Gustavo Caso Rosendi

The kites came back all together wrapped in flames with their rag tails of sheets from the sky whence once hugging a bear they kissed our foreheads and whispered in our ears good night sonmay you rest. The night fell, broken glass from an overly high skylight and the sun of May fell among the bloody mane of an oak also the worm fell in the territory of that catfish and the wait in vain the vain return the afternoon hanging from the hook and between the hands a bowl half-filled with boiling milk and honey on an almost black toast and that smell between the nails.

Scent of tin, scent of earth, scent of smoke, scent of absent fish and suddenly the dogs of childhood would appear to lie next to us and they would smell our fear and lick us and then at last the silence at last the silence to sleep for a little while…or forever (Good night comrades good night).

That soldier never knew from which nibbled apple he had peeked out like a worm into the world it must have been the reason why he walked his willowy jaunt in the drizzle hiding a little those parched fish eyes and seemed to bounce across the landscape with the insistence of the bug that bumps into a lamppost.

That must have been the reason why he went off to look for himself so as not to find himself when he came back and not to see himself and all those things you think of.

It must have been like that. So it must have been that he didn’t hear the warning voice or the hiss and when the black wind blew through his holes that soldier shouted “mum”.

The only thing he yelled was that word. (Poem Translation: Pedro Xavier Alchourron, for the Annual Remembrance Ceremony for the Latin American Community in Canada – Ottawa, 15 October, 2023).

PHOTOS: RICHARD LAWRENCE