Richard Lawrence Photography, Ottawa, ON (2026)

08/10/2026

To see all the pictures from this event, go to:
https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/npd2026/

On the 9th August, 1974, a United Nations Buffalo aircraft flying over Egypt was shot out of the sky by a Syrian air defence missile. On that plane were nine Canadian Armed Forces personnel involved in a peacekeeping mission who were killed on what was supposed to be a routine resupply mission to the presence in the Golan Heights. To this day, it is still the largest single loss of Canadian lives since Canada began participating in UN Peacekeeping missions in 1948. That is why the 9th August is selected as National Peacekeepers’ Day every year with this year’s remembrance ceremony being held at the Reconciliation Monument, Ottawa, on Sunday the 9th on an overcast, warm day.

This year, besides commemorating the fallen members of the CAF, RCMP, and other police forces and civilians, this ceremony also remembered 20th anniversary of the end of Canada’s contribution to the United Nations mission in the Golan Heights (ended in 2006 after 32 continuous years) and the 30th anniversary of the end of the United Nations Mission in Haiti from 1993 to 1996 (UNMIH).

The reviewing officer for the UN Veterans, CAF members, and Police contingent members was former Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. (ret’d) Walt Natynczyk who, along with the parade commander, Commander of Joint Forces Command, LGen. Darcy Molstad, CWO Donovan Crawford, the Joint Forces Command Sergeant-Major, and RCMP Deputy Commissioner Marie-Claude Dandenault, quickly moved down the front rank of the parade contingent, stopping to speak to a few peacekeepers along the way about their service. For a novel turn, Gen. Natynczyk decided to do the rear rank as well and seemed to really enjoy himself as he came across peacekeeping veterans that he knew.

There were only two speakers during the ceremony starting with MP Anita Vandenbeld, and ending with Gen. Natynczyk. Ms. Vandenbeld has a special affinity for the peacekeepers as she has worked on several projects for the United Nations and has spent time in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Herzegovina with the peacekeepers so understands the dangers they face.

In commemoration, it is tradition at this ceremony to place bouquets of flowers in the barrels of three cannons rather than to lay wreaths. The first bouquet was placed by MP Anita Vandenbeld, on behalf of the Government, with Gen. Natynczyk, and the second placed by RMCP Deputy Commissioner Dandenault of behalf of the RCMP along with LGen. Molstad on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces. The third bouquet was placed by Ms. Madelaine Griffis on behalf of the veterans’ families along with CAVUNP interim National President Ronald Griffis and CPVA President Don MacPhearson.

As mentioned earlier, final remarks were provided by Gen. Natynczyk who congratulated all peacekeepers on the jobs that they completed and the bravery and competence in which the missions were handled. He noted the high standard of the Canadian peacekeepers as,

“Person for person, our Canadian service, police and civilian members are amongst the best in the world at bringing peace. … and when it comes to peacekeeping I hold to the notion that to make a good peacekeeper, you need a combat capable soldier, sailor, air man or woman or special forces trooper.”

“Our service personnel and police have been very successful in peacekeeping operations because we’ve been the proverbial bridge, bringing together other nations serving on these same missions, bringing together the warring factions and promoting dialogue. While at the same time, with professional operational capability, being the credible observer to the conflict and reporting the truth to the outside world, creating a deterrence presence and keeping the peace.”

On that note, he recognized that he was standing in the way of everyone gong to the post-ceremony reception so closed his remarks by thanking everyone for attending and recognizing the veterans for good works they have done and good works they are doing today.

08/09/2026

I know I haven’t posted much this summer but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t working. In most cases, it was because the organizations I was working for have their own websites and stories and as such have rights to the images. However, some events should be publicized because of their importance such as the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. I’ll keep this short and point you to the Royal Canadian Legion Flickr page for pictures:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/royalcanadianlegion/albums/72177720334787919/

This celebration was held on July 17th, 2026, in two parts: A ceremony at the National War Memorial and a reception at Ottawa City Hall where a commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post was unveiled. At the War Memorial, a remembrance ceremony was held with the new Governor-General, Her Excellency Louise Arbour, laying the only wreath of the ceremony. All other organizations that would normally lay wreaths, placed poppies on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier instead. The Canadian Remembrance Torch from Mc Master University was on display during the full ceremony and there was a surprise fly-past (at least for me) by a C-130 Herc.

When you walked from the War Memorial to City Hall, if you looked over at the National Arts Centre Kipnes Lantern, you could see images from the wars and from various Legion functions over the years. The Kipness Lantern is six or seven stories high and has the ability to show digital images on all sides of the tower (Lantern).

The reception at City Hall had a few speakers, including the Ottawa Mayor, acknowledging the work done by the Legion over the years. But the pièce de resistance was the unveiling of the new stamp which was done with great ceremony with Royal Canadian Legion – Dominion Command members Dominion President, Berkley Lawrence, Grand President, Larry Murray, and National Executive Director, Randy Hayley, along with Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger.

Oh, and there was cake too!

07/03/2026

The 110th ceremony of remembrance for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment (RNR) and the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel/Somme was held on July 1st, 2026, at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, on a beautiful, warm summer’s morning.

To see the gallery of the pictures, go here:
https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/bhamel110/

Just prior to the start of the ceremony, the area did cloud over giving a portent of things to come later in the day, but the clouds receded and the day started warm and humid as was promised by the weather man with the day aiming to be in the mid-30s and mid-40s with the humidity. Later that afternoon/evening, Ottawa saw 118 mm of rain over six hours obliterating the Canada Day celebrations. It only goes to prove, once again, that God loves the Newfoundlanders.

Any requests for pictures should be sent to Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council at [email protected] to the attention of Col. (ret’d) Gregory Burt.

The 1st of July is a day of remembrance first in Newfoundland and a day to celebrate Canada second. In the First World War, the Dominion of Newfoundland supplied 8,707 men to the three Dominion services including the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Royal Newfoundland Naval Reserve, and the Newfoundland Forestry Corps. As well 3,296 men volunteered for the Canadian Expeditionary Force, 21 were known to be in the Royal Flying Corp/Royal Air Force, and 175 women served overseas in nursing and aid stations. In all, 36% of men of military age (19-35) went to war.

Beaumont-Hamel is significant in that the men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment (RNR) went “over the top” on this day at about 0915 hrs in 1916 and 30 minutes later, only remnants remained. They left from a support trench (St. John’s Trench) which was 200 metres behind the jump off point because the dead and wounded from previous waves clogged the way to the front. After this, it was another 500 metres to the enemy through a no-man’s land criss-crossed with enemy machine gun fire. “It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valour and its assault only failed of success because dead men can advance no further.” said LGen Sir Aylmer Gould Hunter-Weston.

While figures vary, the RNR website lists: Killed In Action – 14 officers and 219 other ranks, wounded – 12 officers and 374 other ranks and 91 missing. Out of 721 who were committed to the battle only 68 were able to answer the roll call the next morning (85% casualties). Every officer who went into battle was either killed or wounded. Some of the dead were killed trying to crawl back to their own lines from no-man’s land as they had been made to wear metal triangles on their backs, so command could monitor their forward progress. As they crawled back, the sun reflected off the metal making them easy targets for enemy snipers and many were killed. It would be two weeks before the people in Newfoundland heard of the disaster.

The ceremony was hosted by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council and MC’d by Col (ret’d) Gregory Burt who started the ceremony by welcoming everyone and then retracing Newfoundland’s history and sacrifice during “The Great War”. Of special note were the facts that 14 sets of brothers perished in the attempt including four members of the Ayre family of St. John’s.

It should be mentioned that in this ceremony, all the participants have some tie back to Newfoundland with most having ancestors who fought/died at Beaumont-Hamel. For example, BGen. Vanessa Hanrahan was born in Newfoundland as was Colonel Howard Coombs and Senator Iris Petten, all wreath layers in this ceremony. Colonel Coombs lost many relatives in the First World War.

The Act of Remembrance was spoken by Mr. Bill Black and Mr. Wayne Mac Culloch (CAVUNP) followed by the Commitment to Remember by Miss Arya Burt. Seventeen wreaths were laid in total with the first by Dr. Carol Gardner-Kirby for those who died with their resting place unknown, then MP Maire-France Lalonde for Canada followed by Senator Rebecca Patterson for the Senate of Canada. BGen. Vanessa Hanrahan and CWO Renay Groves did the honours for the CAF and Colonel Howard Coombs for the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Miss Arya Burt and Miss Claire Kenny carried the wreath for the Youth of Newfoundland and Labrador with the Memorial University of Newfoundland represented by Mr. Mark Barnes and Gillianne Beaulieu. Australia, New Zealand and France also laid wreaths as did the Royal Canadian Legion and veterans groups.

The star of the show, however, was Ms. Joan Fisher who laid the wreath on behalf of the Atlantic Voices Choir along with the choir mascot, an eighteen month old Newfoundland dog, named “Cassie”. Cassie managed a small bow to the wreath during the moment of reflection after the wreath laying which was surprising given her young age. (NOTE: Margaree used to do these duties but she has gotten older and doesn’t travel well anymore.)

The poem “Only One Tree” was read by CWO Renay Groves who was followed by The Atlantic Voices Choir singing all four verses of “Ode to Newfoundland” and “O Canada” to end the ceremony.

While Newfoundland would not become part of Canada until 1949, as part of Canada now, it is important to remember the sacrifices made on behalf of the allies of this small part of the British Empire. They mourn Newfoundland in the morning and celebrate Canada in the afternoon

06/26/2026

To see the pictures from the ceremony, go to:
https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/nmc25/

In the 1990s, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Maurice Baril identified the need for a Canadian National Military Cemetery. Mr. Robert White, former Director of Beechwood, was able to connect with General Baril, and on 28 June 2001, the National Military Cemetery was officially opened. Since then, the National Military Cemetery has been of increased interest as more and more service members discover the opportunity to be buried honorably alongside their comrades.

The military cemetery in Beechwood actually consists of four sections. Sections 19 and 29 for were established for WWI dead and no further interments take place there. Section 27, easily identifiable with its Cross of Sacrifice at the center, is for WWII dead, and later conflicts, and interment is controlled by Veterans Affairs Canada. The section most known as the National Military Cemetery is section 103 which is approximately 8.29 acres and is used for serving and honourably released members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Canada's Merchant Navy, and Veterans of allied forces or major 20th-century conflicts. Immediate family members can also be buried in the same plot (generally spouses). There are currently plans in place to expand this section.

The National Military Cemetery team has grown from just one liaison officer to four permanent staff supported by primary reservists and local units in its 25 years. They now coordinate over 100 services each year, and support many events planned in conjunction with Beechwood Cemetery.

Today’s ceremony marking the 25th anniversary was a small affair attended by the CDS, General Jennie Carignan, and CAF CWO Bob McCann along with defence attachés (Australia and New Zealand at least), veterans groups (U.N. Peacekeepers, ANAVets, Persian Gulf Veterans of Canada. etc.), and some veterans to mark a few. General Maurice Baril was present as he was instrumental in establishing this space. The most colourful group were the Governor-General’s Foot Guards and Band as they showed up with a compliment of about 56 soldiers, plus officers, plus the band of about 40 more. It certainly was a lot of red.

The ceremony started with the arrival of the CDS Carignan and CAF CWO McCann, after which the CDS immediately took the salute from the Foot Guards. General Carignan was the first to address the group speaking about the importance that the lives buried here represent. They represent commitment and integrity as well as the families that supported them and to the national responsibility to remember their sacrifice.

“For 25 years, the cemetery has stood as a testament to our commitment and our responsibility to honor those who have served and those who have fallen. A national symbol of our gratitude. Every headstone here, standing tall, row by row, represents a life of purpose and duty.”

CWO McCann’s address, halted for a moment as a CH-147 Chinook did a fly-past, pointed out the purpose of cemeteries as:

“Places of remembrance, from cemeteries to cenotaphs, encourage us to look back. They also compel us to look forward. They remind us of the legacy of service that binds generations. Service to one another and to a better world. To the CAF members here today, to our veterans, you carry this legacy that strengthens our resolve. The names engraved here are not foreign to you.”

So the National Military Cemetery is a promise to those who committed their life to Canada that they will always be remembered and their families will never grieve alone. It is a place of national remembrance. It is a place where families honour loved ones. It is a place where veterans gather to remember friends.

Lest we forget.

06/16/2026

To see all the pictures, go here:
https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/nbr2026/

Founded in 2016, the Navy Bike Ride (NBR) was designed as a fun, family friendly event, supporting the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) community, with proceeds going to the Navalis Foundation, Support Our Troops, and Soldier On. The funds raised as part of the NBR go to providing assistance to Royal Canadian Navy members, Veterans, and their families and contributes to building family resilience, and to supporting the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of members with physical and/or mental health illness or injury, and supporting those who currently serve or have served our country. (paraphrased from NBR website).

This year, on June 13th, the NBR start/finish was at Hog’s Back Park with the 5km run/walk starting at 0830 hrs and the 18/36 km bike ride starting at 1030 hours. True to form, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, outgoing Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (CRCN) and new VCDS, showed his support as he participated in both the run and the bike ride. The incoming CRCN, Vice-Admiral Dan Charlebois, also showed up to hand out commemorative coins to people as they crossed the finish line of the ride portion.

The run/ride was billed as a family friendly affair and that it was not a race. The attitude of the participants seemed to bear this out as everyone seemed to have a party attitude, not taking themselves too seriously and just happy being out on a nice day. There were children, some in prams, on the course, older runners doing well, and even a medical support Corgi dog trotted along. Now, I don’t know how many paces there are in 5 km, but when your legs are as short as a Corgi’s, that’s got to be multiplied some.

In the exposition area there were booths from sponsors, such as the Bank of Montreal (the official National Defence bank), Soldier on, Veterans Affairs, Federal Fleet Services, Commissionaires, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, SISIP, Costco, and the Canadian Coast Guard. Federal Fleet Services were handing out hats for “Retain the Asterix” (https://retainasterix.ca/) to bring attention to the Navy looking at moving away from the combat support ship CSS Asterix which has been in the RCN service for nearly a decade.

Music for the national anthems and throughout the day was provided by 75 and 742 Air Cadets National Capital Squadron – Music Programs which supplied pipes and drums, and brass and wind bands. As well, there were highland dancers. Now, I’ve never seen a dinosaur do a highland fling but there was one there on Saturday.

The participants of most note were a group of three WWII re-enactors, led by Colin Schlachta of the Canadian Active Service Force Living History Association (CASFLHA). They were dressed in WWII kit, complete with combat boots, parachute smocks, battle dress, packs, helmets and other accoutrement for the run in the blazing sun and 24 degree temperature. While not the hottest day on record, under an unrestricted sun, dressed in wool combat uniforms and packs, they were sure to break a sweat. And they did.

Notwithstanding the temperature, after completing the walk/run, Colin then got his vintage WWII folding bicycle to take on the ride. As he explained, he was dressed as a member of the Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Highlanders and when they landed on Juno Beach on D-Day, they carried transport on their backs in the form of a bicycle that could be folded in half. When the lack of pedals was noted, he decided to explain the operation of the museum piece bicycle as follows.

For the first part, one needs to understand how pedals are formed with the pedal axel being a piece of round metal, attached to a pedal crank arm which is attached to a toothed sprocket (aka a chainring). The pedal axel goes through a rubber pedal foot platform which rotates around the pedal axel as the rider pedals along. This is the pedal assembly (add bearings and other things as required) on which the rider places their feet. That’s the basics. You place your feet on the pedal assembly and ride away as the pedal platform rotates around the pedal axel connected to the crank and sprocket, driving the rear wheel via a chain attached from the chainring to the rear wheel sprocket.

So, for this WWII museum piece, there are no pedals, just two pieces of round metal posts (the pedal axels) in place of full pedal assemblies with which the rider placed his feet, making sure the pedal axels were placed where the boot heel meets the sole so the feet wouldn’t fall off. The positioning of the pedals axels was placed back of centre so when the bike was folded, they were not in the way. This makes pedalling more difficult as this is not an ergonomic position. There were no pedal platforms so that, when collapsing the bike, the pedal axels could be pushed through the pedal cranks into the centre of the bike rather than protruding and catching on stuff.

Next, there was a wing nut on the handle bars that, when turned, allowed the handle bars to be place flat against the bike. Finally, there were two wings nuts on the frame (top tube and down tube) which, when undone, allowed the bike to fold in half.

While I found this all very interesting, it has nothing to do with the Navy Bike Run. However, when it was noted that it was good of the Army (in this case Colin and friends) to support the Navy, he said that it was only fair as the Navy supported the Army in that the Army couldn’t have done its job without the Navy getting them where they needed to be and then providing fire support and other support to the beaches. Fair enough.

06/09/2026

To see all the pictures, go to:
https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/motorcycle2026/

When one sees a bunch of scruffy guys riding motorcycles, complete with vests and colours, one does not immediately think of Canadian Armed Forces veterans on their way to a remembrance ceremony. However, that was the truth of it on Sunday, June 7th, 2026, when diverse groups of motorcycle riders, complete with vests and club affiliation patches (not “colours”) arrived at the National Military Cemetery for the Veterans National Memorial Ceremony. The Veterans National Memorial Remembrance Ceremony is an event that brings together Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters to remember and commemorate Canada’s Fallen Veterans. This event offers a unique opportunity for riders to share their pride in Canada’s Veterans and honour those who served their country

It had rained the day before and earlier in the day but the afternoon clung to the overcast skies while things had dried up for the ceremony. Riders were there as early as 1200 hrs even though the ceremony was slated to begin at 1300 hrs. Time was spent in comradeship and shared experiences.

The ceremony started with the land acknowledgement by Scott Ross from Pikwakanagan, a First Nation Algonquin. Rather than traditional notes on the Indigenous rights of property, he regaled the audience in a story of Anabook when the earth was young and the Anishinaabe were learning to walk on this planet. It was hard. It was cold. It was winter and they were almost starving through the winter. But the maple tree gave the gift of nourishment. And from that point Scott proceeded to tell the story of how maple syrup came to be as it is and how Anabook forced the Anishinaabe to come together to work as a people. The story was perhaps not on point, but a change from tradition and interesting. He even got quite animated in his telling of the story, lifting his head up with open mouth to receive maple syrup.

Gabby Koch then provided the national anthem and was followed by Nick McCarthy of Beechwood Cemetery. He noted the sacrifices made by past and serving members, as well as their families, and made special note of D-Day, whose 82nd anniversary had passed on June 6th, the day before.

Trevor Luten and GG of Veterans UN-NATO Canada read the Act of Remembrance followed by cadet J. Thoren of 3018 33 Combat Engineer Regiment of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps who, in an act of grace, apologized for the cracking of his voice and which was responded to by a member of the crowd with “Welcome to adulthood”.

Padre Mike Perreault of the Cameron Highlanders of Canada led the moment of reflection, drawing on his experience as a chaplain at the National Military Cemetery for over ten years. He noted that riders are a unique community in that,

“When someone falls behind, you notice. When there's trouble on the roadside, people stop. No one questions whether or not they should help. They simply do. There's something deeply human in that kind of community.”

Gabby Koch finished up the ceremony with the Royal Anthem after which a rather large group picture was taken in front of the monument and then smaller groups followed suit. All in all, the ceremony was short, but no less meaningful to those in attendance.

NOTE: Let me apologize for any misspelled names as I didn’t have a reference sheet to pull from.

05/27/2026

Breaking Down the Barricades images. Anyone who wants to see the images from the Breaking Down the Barricades Awards Ceremony, held Monday evening at Beechwood Cemetery, can go to this URL.

https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/bdb2026/

There's no story as it will be reported in Esprit de Corps and I haven't time as CANSEC starts tomorrow.

05/05/2026

A little rant from me about what a sh*tty platform Facebook is. I mistakenly placed a photo in an album with my watermark on it but the photo wasn't mine. I deleted the photo out of the album and replaced it with the proper attribution. But Facebook insists on making it a separate post rather than including the replacement picture in the original album. I go into the album and the picture IS included in the album. BUT it doesn't show in the post with the album, it shows as a SEPARATE post.

I've tried deleting and adding, move to another album, nothing works. FACEBOOK IS A PIECE OF S**T!

05/05/2026

Artist's conception of the National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan (Veterans' Affairs Website)

05/05/2026

On a beautiful, warm, spring day, with the sky alternating between cloud and sun, a gathering met to break ground opposite (east) of the National War Museum. The ground breaking was for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission to Afghanistan in memory of Canada’s longest combat deployment since WWII lasting from 2001 to 2014 (combat ended 2011 but the last member left in 2014). More than 40,000 Canadians served in this conflict with 158 service members, one diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor and a journalist killed and thousands wounded, both mentally and physically. The space was blessed two years ago, construction is expected to start this spring, and completion is planned for 2028.

To see all the pictures, go to:
https://www.richardlawrencephotography.ca/rlpgalleries/2026/afghan/

The ceremony took place on a plot of land east of the Canadian War Museum (across the street) and north of the National Holocaust Monument. The ceremonial ground was covered with an interlocking flooring so that people weren’t subjected to walking on the grass which is good as it had rained earlier. On this flooring, three rows of chairs were set in a large circular pattern with openings in the east, west, north, and south compass positions and in those openings stood small piles of earth, along with a longer pile of earth in the middle. These piles would come into play later in the ceremony. My guess is that the seating positions and setup mimic the final design of the monument which is circular with portals at the compass cardinal points.

Now, I did ask if the piles of dirt, which were going to be used symbolically for the ground breaking, were just some garden soil that they bought at a garden store or was it earth that had been actually dug up on the site and then placed on this floor. No-one could answer the question. In my opinion, it would have been more symbolic to use actual earth from the site but the piled earth was too consistent (no weeds, grass, or stones in the mixture) to have been dug up in a field so my guess is garden soil.

The design, developed by Team Stimson, draws on elements of healing from the Medicine Wheel and takes the form of a circular, sacred space of safety, a “home base” of reflection, memory and contemplation. It is made up of four portals, where an interior area is the sanctuary where the fallen are remembered. Inscribed on the walls of three of the quadrants is the year, names of the fallen and maple leaves, in several rows. The fourth southeast quadrant wall facing the direction of Afghanistan is dedicated to fallen Afghan Allies. In the centre, four bronze flak jackets stand draped on crosses—utilitarian yet poignant reminders of protection. (lifted from the VAC website).

Each portal has two walls presenting stories from both Canadian and Afghanistan perspectives, all within a landscape of Native plantings. Each portal also has its own meaning in respect to the memorial. The North Portal is designed to represent the intellectual aspects of the war: education on conflict, and understanding the Mission. The South Portal is about acknowledging our spiritual natures. It encourages visitors to think about the connection of the spirit and the importance it has in remembrance and recognition. The West Portal recognizes those who were wounded in the conflict, especially those who are continuing to deal with those injuries today. This portal encourages visitors to think not only about those who are lost, but also those who survived. The East Portal is dedicated to emotions and Afghan poetry. The East is where the sun rises and is often associated with childhood. It will focus on the emotional well-being of those who served, and continue to serve, and the families and friends who supported them from home.

Many people were in attendance, including 53 Glebe Collegiate Institute grade 10 students and 30 cadets who had spent the morning at the War Museum learning about the Afghanistan experience as well as being informed by the Monuments designer, Adrian Stimson, on behalf of Team Stimson, on the symbology of all the elements of the Monument. A few defence attachés showed up (Germany and UK specifically), the Deputy Head of Mission for Britain, various politicians and veterans groups as well as veterans themselves and some veterans’ families. Every seat was filled.

Words of welcome were provided by Chief Greg Sarazin, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, followed by Anitia Tenasco, Council member, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, both of whom acknowledged the importance of this land and remembrance.

A moment of reflection was led by Lt(N). Katherine Walker, CAF Chaplin. Now, I personally don’t listen too much to religious teachings or the musings of those who offer them, BUT, Lt(N) Walker said a couple of things that made an impression on me as she noted with this mission,

“The mission evolves. Allies and adversaries are not always well defined. The course of action that seemed clear enough at one point becomes impossible. The service in Afghanistan has demanded from our members a discipline, humanity and extraordinary dedication in the face of unprecedented complexity. Over 150 Canadians did not come home. Thousands more returned, carrying wounds, visible and invisible, that remain with them today.”

She went on explaining the hope and aspiration of this monument to become,

“A place where the complexity doesn't have to be resolved. Where it can just simply be. A place where a veteran can stand in silence and know that the nation acknowledges what was asked of them. A place where a family can bring their children and say, this mattered. They mattered. A place where memory, grief and pride simply say, we don't forget.”

With all the words from all the speakers today, I think these are the most pertinent.

Minister of Veterans Affairs, Jill McKnight, next took the podium and again spoke of the sacrifice of the men and women in Afghanistan and their families at home with the hopes that this monument will be a place to remember those who served, those who supported the Mission from home, and those that didn’t return.

Lastly, Adrian Stimson, of Team Stimson, addressed the guests about the meaning of the Monument. “Our intention for this monument was to create a safe, sacred space that not only honours the fallen, but those who survived. A home base to remember, to heal, to give gratitude, and to connect with each other.”

So, with the speeches out of the way, it was time to move on to the ground breaking. As stated earlier, there were five piles of earth: one at each Portal (compass cardinal point) and a large one in the center. The Portal piles were symbolically done first with designated VIPs given shovels which they shoved into the earth and threw it forward of the pile. They went as follows:

North Portal – Parliamentary Secretary Romanado and BGen. Serge Ménard, South Portal – Minister Anandasangaree and Corps Sergeant Major Elaine Maisonneuve of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, West Portal – Minister Marc Miller and Tobi Nussbaum, and East Portal – VAC Minister Jill McKnight and Telah Morrison. Once all the portals were completed, all moved to the center for the final ceremonial ground breaking, along with some students and cadets.

Everyone was thanked for attending and this completed the ceremony. People lingered for a while, took pictures with each other, and generally enjoyed a few more minutes of what turned out to be a lovely afternoon.

Richard Lawrence Photography

08/10/2026

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