Honouring Unsung Heroes: The 3rd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony

December 12, 2024 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 3:30

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.

On October 6, 2024, the 3rd Annual Latin American Remembrance Ceremony took place at the Beechwood National Military Cemetery, to honour the commitment and sacrifices of the Latin American soldiers who served Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since the early 20th century. Held during Latin American Heritage Month, this event was co-hosted by the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC) and the Embassy of Peru. The ceremony celebrated the selfless contributions of these soldiers who defended freedom, often far from home.

The master of ceremonies, Nick McCarthy, opened with remarks that acknowledged the sacrifices and often-overlooked contributions of Latin American soldiers, particularly in the First and Second World Wars.

Honouring Latin American Veterans from Peru

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 in the First and Second World Wars and highlighted the journeys of four Canadian veterans of Peruvian background:

• Trimer Vic Crothalin, who joined the Canadian Mercantile Marine during the First World War, 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 during the First World War, 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 the Second World War. 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 the Latin American Soldiers Committee

Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, co-chair for the Defence Team Latin American Network, spoke about the committee’s mission to preserve the stories of Latin American soldiers. He extended special thanks to the families of these veterans for their contributions. 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 CAF, and various organizations honoured the fallen:

• On behalf of Canada – James Whitham, Executive Director of the Canadian War Museum;
• Representing Peru – Ambassador Manuel Gerardo Talavera Espinar and his team;
• Representing Guatemala – Ambassador Guisela Atalida Godinez Sazo and Jane Koester, the daughter of World War II RCAF Pilot Denis Koester;
• On behalf of the CAF – Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy;
• Representing Veterans, honouring those who served and continue to serve in defence of Canada – Captain (Retd) Terry Hunter;
• Representing the Guatemalan and Latin American communities – David Aguilar Carranza and Betsy Requena; and
• LASC representatives Giuseppe Marconi and Captain Garcia-Salas 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. Following a moment of silence, 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.

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, and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

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