Honoring Unsung Heroes: The 3rd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony at Beechwood National Military Cemetery

By Captain Rey Garcia-Salas

On October 6, 2024, the Beechwood National Military Cemetery in Ottawa became a powerful meeting ground for honor, history, and shared heritage. Latin American Canadians, alongside distinguished guests and military officials, gathered for the 3rd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony, honoring Latin American soldiers who have served Canada since the early 20th century. Held during Latin American Heritage Month, this event was co-hosted by the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC), the Embassy of Peru, the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Beechwood Cemetery. The ceremony celebrated the selfless contributions of these soldiers who defended freedom, often far from home.

The event commenced with the national anthems of Canada and Peru, with flags from both nations waving proudly. Nick McCarthy, the Master of Ceremonies, opened with remarks that acknowledged the sacrifices and often-overlooked contributions of Latin American soldiers, particularly in the world wars. He reminded attendees that this ceremony honors their legacy, celebrating those who served silently but with great impact.

Following a land acknowledgment, which recognized Canada’s Indigenous heritage, the event highlighted shared values of respect, courage, and community between Indigenous and Latin American cultures.

Remarks from Peru’s Ambassador to Canada
His Excellency Manuel Gerardo Talavera Espinar, Peru’s Ambassador to Canada, delivered stirring remarks about the sacrifices made by Peruvians who served alongside Canadian and Allied forces. He shared stories of Latin Americans who left behind lives and families to join Canada’s military in pursuit of a shared cause. Ambassador Talavera Espinar also referenced Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra, a Peruvian explorer who reached Canada’s Pacific shores in the 1700s, underscoring how these bonds of history mirror the selfless service of Latin American soldiers in Canada, particularly during WWI and WWII.

Honoring Four Latin American Veterans from Peru
This year, the ceremony highlighted the stories of four Peruvian veterans who served with Canada.

• Trimer Vic Crothalin, who joined the Canadian Mercantile Marine, served aboard the SS Halifax, a critical cargo vessel that tragically sank with 37 crew members. As a trimer, Crothalin worked in the harshest conditions to fuel the ship’s boilers, a crucial yet often unsung role.
• Sailor A. Velasquez served on the HMS Royal Edward, a Canadian vessel that also met a tragic end. Velasquez’s service reflects the bravery of Latin Americans in Canada’s military, embodying the dedication and sacrifice held dear by both Peru and Canada.
• Democrito (Mito) Ribeiro and Francisco (Paco) Perez were two pioneering Peruvian aviators who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in Eastern Canada during WWII. Their contributions, particularly as aviators, were essential to the Allied war effort and the foundational values of Canada’s pursuit of freedom and justice.

Reflections from Captain Garcia-Salas
Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, a long-serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces and LASC representative, spoke to the ceremony’s attendees about the committee’s mission to preserve the stories of Latin American soldiers. He extended special thanks to the families of these veterans, including Jane Koester, daughter of RCAF Flying Officer Denis Koester, whom he connected with through an online video. This connection symbolized the resilience and enduring legacy shared by Latin American soldiers and their families.

The Wreath-Laying Ceremony: A Tribute of Unity and Respect
The heart of the event was a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the main monument. Representatives from Canada, Peru, the Canadian Armed Forces, and various organizations honored the fallen:

• James Whitham, Executive Director of the Canadian War Museum, laid a wreath on behalf of Canada.
• Ambassador Manuel Talavera Espinar and his team represented Peru.
• Ambassador Guisela Atalida Godinez Suazoand her team represented Guatemala.
• Vice Admiral Angus Topshee from the Royal Canadian Navy paid respects on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces.
• Captain Terry Hunter, representing veterans, honored those who served and continue to serve in defense of Canada.
• David Aguilar Carranza and Betsy Requena, representing the Guatemalan and Latin American communities, expressed unity and gratitude.
• Captain Garcia-Salas and Giuseppe Marconi laid a wreath in memoriam, reflecting the impact of these heroes on Canada’s Latin American communities.

Lieutenant Colonel Frank Maloney, who has roots in Canada and Panama, led the Act of Remembrance in English, French, and Spanish. A moment of silence followed, culminating in a flyover with the Peruvian flag to honor the unity shared among nations. Counselor Catherine Gamarra from the Embassy of Peru recited Mass by César Vallejo, a poem capturing sorrow and resilience, resonating across the cemetery as a tribute to the enduring strength of those who served.

Announcing the Latin American Soldiers Remembrance Book Vol. 2
Captain Garcia-Salas announced the upcoming Latin American Soldiers Remembrance Book Vol. 2, dedicated to Latin American veterans. The third volume will feature stories of three Guatemalan volunteers who served in the RCAF, bridging generations through tales of courage and shared purpose.

Next year’s event will be co-hosted by Guatemala, demonstrating the LASC’s commitment to celebrating diversity and unity in Canada while ensuring that the sacrifices of Latin American veterans remain part of the nation’s collective memory.

Post-Ceremony Reflections and Exhibitions
Following the ceremony, guests moved to Beechwood’s main reception building to view exhibitions detailing the contributions of Latin American soldiers. Among the highlights was a presentation from Brigadier General Christopher Robidoux, who awarded Jane Koester a certificate in recognition of her father’s WWII service. Traditional garments and cultural symbols from Guatemala and Peru, shared by Centre Culturel Jaguar Ix Balam and Casa Cultural Peruana, enriched the atmosphere with vibrant displays of Latin American heritage.

David Aguilar Carranza of Centre Culturel Jaguar Ix Balam, joined by Guatemala’s Ambassador Guisela Atalida Godinez Suazo, presented an honorary medal and certificates to Jane Koester. This tribute celebrated her father, Denis Koester, along with Guatemalan RCAF members Theodore Hempstead and John Smith, recognizing their bravery and sacrifice.

Ambassador Guisela Atalida Godinez Suazo spoke on the contributions of Guatemalans during the World Wars, expressing gratitude to Jane Koester and the honor of Guatemala as next year’s co-host. Canadian Indigenous Elder-in-Training Glenda Stevens from Kitigan Zibi Anishinaabeg offered reflections on the unity of Latin American and Indigenous soldiers, presenting a feather to Captain Garcia-Salas symbolizing strength and a hopeful future for Indigenous youth when praying.

A Legacy of Unity and Sacrifice
The 3rd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony transformed into more than a simple remembrance—it became a testament to the friendship, shared history, and respect between Canada and Latin American communities. Attendees left with a renewed commitment to carrying forward these soldiers’ stories, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The next ceremony is scheduled for October 19, 2025, at Beechwood National Military Cemetery, with Guatemala as co-host. Once again, it will invite all to honor the courage, dedication, and unbreakable spirit of Latin Americans who served Canada and its allies.

Poem: Mass by Cesar Vallejo

When war kills people indiscriminately, will anyone remain on earth to say ‘Stop killing!’? The poet hopes there will always be one.

At the end of the battle, the combatant dead, a man approached him and said to him: ‘Don’t die; I love you so much!’ but the corpse, alas!, kept on dying.

Two more came up to him and repeated:

‘Don’t leave us! Be brave! Come back to life!’ but the corpse, alas!, kept on dying.

Twenty, a hundred, a thousand, five hundred thousand appeared, crying out: ‘So much love, and no power against death!’ but the corpse, alas!, kept on dying.

Millions of individuals surrounded him with a common plea: ‘Don’t leave us brother!’ but the corpse, alas!, kept on dying.

Then all the inhabitants of the earth surrounded him; the corpse looked at them sadly, deeply moved; he got up slowly embraced the first man; started to walk…