Rain Could Not Silence Remembrance: The Latin-American Remembrance Ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square

By Capt Rey Garcia-Salas / On 12 April 2026, beneath dark skies and persistent rain, the fifth annual Latin-American Remembrance Ceremony unfolded with solemn dignity and unwavering resilience at Nathan Phillips Square. Held within a dedicated commemorative space graciously provided by the Canadian Latin Fest, the ceremony became a powerful demonstration that remembrance transcends weather, borders, languages, and generations.

Despite the difficult weather conditions, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Military Attachés, Canadian Armed Forces personnel, veterans, community leaders, and families gathered together in tribute to the Latin Americans who voluntarily served Canada during times of global conflict. As rain continued to fall across downtown Toronto, attendees remained standing in solidarity and reflection, reinforcing a profound truth: remembrance is not dependent on comfort or circumstance, but on duty, gratitude, and collective memory.

The ceremony was conducted with professionalism and warmth under the leadership of Master of Ceremonies Betzabe Requena, whose guidance helped bridge remembrance, culture, and community. The Land Acknowledgment was delivered by Jaime Libaque, recognizing the Indigenous peoples and traditional territories upon which the event took place and reinforcing the values of respect, inclusion, and reconciliation. Representing Brazil, the 2026 Host Nation, Consul General Rainer Kurrle delivered inspiring remarks emphasizing the longstanding friendship between Brazil and Canada and the importance of preserving the legacy of those who served in defence of peace, democracy, and humanity. Representing the Dominican Republic, Consul Lucilo Santos delivered heartfelt remarks highlighting unity, sacrifice, and the responsibility to preserve historical memory for future generations.

The ceremony also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC), represented during the event by Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Latin American soldiers whose legacy the organization continues to preserve and honour. Since beginning this historical research in 2016, Capt Rey Garcia-Salas has worked tirelessly to uncover the stories of Latin Americans who voluntarily joined the Canadian Armed Forces since the First World War, individuals who left behind their countries, families, and familiar lives to stand shoulder to shoulder with Canadians and Allies in defence of freedom, democracy, and humanity.

Through remembrance ceremonies, historical exhibitions, publications, educational outreach, and community engagement, these once-forgotten histories are now emerging from the margins into Canada’s national consciousness, ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of Latin American service members will never again be overlooked. One of the ceremony’s most solemn moments followed with the reading of the Acto del Recuerdo and the Act of Remembrance.

Colonel Leonel Garcia delivered the Spanish version with profound emotion and military solemnity, while Lieutenant Alvaro Orrantia read the English version, reminding everyone present that remembrance transcends language, nationality, and generations. Another deeply reflective moment followed during the reading of Lo Fatal by renowned Nicaraguan poet and diplomat Rubén Darío. Major Ingrid Gracia Mora read the Spanish version of the poem, while Lieutenant Orrantia delivered the English translation.

Beneath the rain-filled sky, the poem’s reflections on mortality, suffering, and the fragility of life carried extraordinary emotional weight, reminding all present of the human cost of war and the enduring value of remembrance. At the conclusion of the poem, participants proceeded together to the designated memorial area for the laying of wreaths. Despite the rain, dignitaries, military representatives, and community leaders advanced with dignity and solemn respect, transforming the moment into a powerful symbol of unity among nations and communities gathered in remembrance.

Consul General Rainer Kurrle laid the Brazilian wreath on behalf of Brazil, the 2026 Host Nation. Consul Lucilo Santos and Vice-Consul Juan Mejia together laid the wreath representing the Dominican Republic. Representing Ecuador, Martha Cecilia Checa laid the Ecuadorian wreath in honour of Latin American veterans and fallen service members. Colombia was represented by Colonel Leonel Garcia, accompanied by Major Jose Luis Parra and Major Cesar Augusto Chisica, who together laid the Colombian wreath. The Peruvian wreath was laid by Jaime Libaque and Betzabe Requena, symbolizing Peru’s enduring commitment to remembrance, unity, and historical recognition. A particularly meaningful tribute was dedicated to military women, as Major Ingrid Gracia Mora laid a wreath honouring the courage, leadership, and sacrifices of women in uniform throughout history and within today’s Forces.

In one of the ceremony’s most symbolic moments, Lieutenant Alvaro Orrintia and Captain Rey Garcia-Salas together laid the wreath on behalf of the Latin American Soldiers Committee, representing the collective memory of the Latin American men and women who served Canada with honour and sacrifice throughout history. As the ceremony continued under the rain, the weather itself became symbolic of the hardships endured by those being honoured. Yet, just as those service members persevered through adversity in times of war, the community gathered at Nathan Phillips Square remained steadfast in remembrance, unity, and gratitude.

The ceremony demonstrated something deeply meaningful: remembrance does not belong only within cemeteries or military institutions—it also belongs within communities, festivals, and public spaces where future generations can see, hear, and understand the sacrifices that helped build Canada. On that rainy afternoon in Toronto, remembrance prevailed over the storm. History was not only remembered, it was honoured, shared, and brought to life. Their sacrifice transcended borders. Their courage transcended generations. And on 12 April 2026, their memory transcended the rain itself.