Latin American Heritage Month 2024: Honouring the Past and Present

October 1, 2024 – Defence Stories

By: Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, Co-chair for the Defence Team Latin American Network, and Head of the Latin American Heritage Month Planning Committee and the Latin American Soldiers Committee in Canada.

Introduction to Latin American Heritage Month

October marks the celebration of Latin American Heritage Month, a month designated by the Parliament of Canada in 2018. It is an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions that members of the Latin American community have made to the fabric of Canada. This month allows us to celebrate our Latin American heritages with all Defence Team members. Today, we raise our voices in celebration and reflection about the impactful contributions members of the Latin American community have made and continue to make sharing their cultures, perspectives and proud traditions as members of the Defence Team and as Canadians.

Thank you to current serving Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence employees, who are members of the Latin American community. Your contributions are seen and appreciated every day, and we appreciate those of you who feel safe and empowered to celebrate, share, and promote your culture and traditions with us. It is also an opportunity to honour the distinguished service and sacrifices of Latin American Veterans who served in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Honouring Latin American Veterans

The history of Latin American Canadians in the Canadian military is both rich and remarkable. Latin Americans served with distinction in the First and Second World Wars, overcoming many challenges including language barriers, distance from their homes and family, and the financial burden of paying their own way to Canada to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. These courageous individuals volunteered to serve, and in doing so showed their adaptability, dedication and resilience in their commitment to Canada.

Encouraging Participation

Latin American Heritage Month is more than a celebration of cultural identity; it is a profound opportunity to acknowledge and honour the significant contributions of Latin American Veterans who have served Canada with exceptional dedication. The events and ceremonies planned across the country offer a meaningful way to connect with our shared history, celebrate our diverse heritage, and pay tribute to those who made extraordinary sacrifices.

We encourage all Canadians including Defence Team members to participate in the events, reflect on the rich history of Latin American service members, and join us in celebrating the vibrant heritage they have contributed to our nation. Let us unite this October to honour, remember, and celebrate.

For Defence Team members who are interested in joining the Defence Team Latin American Network, we invite you to reach out to rey.garcia-salas@forces.gc.ca.

Events and Ceremonies for Latin American Heritage Month

In honour and celebration of Latin American heritage, veterans, and current Defence Team members, the Latin American Heritage Month Planning Committee—a collaborative effort involving Department of National Defence employees, Canadian Armed Forces members, and community representatives—has organized a series of distinguished events and ceremonies:

• Annual Remembrance Ceremony for the Latin-American Community in Canada
  • These ceremonies will commemorate the contributions of Latin Americans to Canada's defence in the First World War to the present.
  • Locations:
    • Ottawa, Ontario
      • 06 October, 2024 at 10:45 am EDT – National Military Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue (Cross of Sacrifice in the Veterans Section)
      • Registration is required: 3rd Annual Remembrance Ceremony for the Latin-American Community in Canada
    • Victoria, British Columbia
      • 06 October, 2024 at 10:30 am PDT – Veterans Cemetery (God's Acre), 1190 Colville Rd.
    • Valcartier, Quebec
      • 25 October, 2024 at 11:00 am EDT - Point A Carce, Naval Reserve HQ, 144 rue Dalhousie, Quebec
    • Riga, Latvia
      • 12 October, 2024 at 10:30 am EET – Great Cemetery Riga, Riga, LV-1013
• Exhibitions and Parade
  • "Field of Sacrifice" and "A Veterans Journey" Exhibitions
    • 05 October to 03 November, 2024 – Gallery 55, 55 Byward Market, 2nd Floor, Ottawa
    • These exhibitions will showcase photographs and commemorative displays dedicated to honouring Latin American soldiers, and soldiers around the world, who served in the World Wars, providing a visual account of their sacrifices and contributions. An ofrenda altar will also be on display, honouring those whose lives were lost in the pursuit of freedom.
  • Day of the Dead Parade
    • 02 November, 2024 – Starts at Gallery 55, Ottawa, and proceeds through ByWard Market streets
    • This vibrant parade will celebrate Latin American culture and honour the legacy of soldiers who served in the World Wars. The procession will serve as a colorful tribute to their memory.