A candle in the night: Honouring the legacy of Cpl Francisco Gomez
July 28, 2025 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:00
By: Captain Rey Garcia-Salas
Caption
Group photo at the Vigil in honouring Cpl Francisco Gomez.
On July 17, 2025, a solemn vigil took place at Beechwood National Cemetery in Ottawa to honour Corporal Francisco (Frank) Gomez, a proud Canadian soldier of Latin American heritage who gave his life while serving in Afghanistan in 2006.
Organized by the Latin American Soldiers Committee (LASC), in partnership with the Embassy of Guatemala, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and Beechwood Cemetery, this event marked a historic milestone — the first formal recognition of the contributions of Latin Americans in Canada’s military history.
Master of Ceremonies Nick McCarthy opened the evening with heartfelt words that set a tone of reverence and unity. The vigil honoured not only Cpl Gomez, but all Latin American members who have served in the CAF from the First World War to today.
Military tradition guided the ceremony, with the solemn playing of the Last Post, two minutes of silence, the Rouse, and the Lament. This was followed by a moving candle-lighting and flower-laying ceremony led by Warrant Officer Pinet. Flowers were laid by representatives from LASC, the Embassy of Guatemala, the CAF, and Colonel Ronald Gonzales Regazo of the Military Attaché Corps. A special handmade wreath was offered by LASC Chaplain Yves Lesieur and his wife Kathy, symbolizing the colours of Latin American nations.
Carlos Eduardo Bran, Minister-Counsellor of the Guatemalan Embassy, spoke about Cpl Gomez’s international service and the critical role Latin American members play in Canada’s global peace efforts. In my remarks, I reflected on Cpl Gomez’s remarkable 23-year career, including deployments to Somalia, Bosnia, Cyprus, and Afghanistan. Known for his humility, he remained a corporal by choice — a leader close to his team and grounded in service.
“In the battlefield or on base, there are no races, no colours, no divisions,” I shared. “We all wear the same uniform. We trust each other with our lives.”
Caption
Cpl Francisco Gomez’s grave adorned with a commemorative wreath and floral tributes.
Cpl Gomez was serving with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), attached to 1 PPCLI, when he and Cpl Jason Warren were killed in a suicide attack near Kandahar on July 22, 2006. For his service, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration and the Special Service Medal.
Chaplain Lesieur closed with reflections on Cpl Gomez’s legacy of loyalty and love, followed by a prayer in Spanish from his wife Kathy — a moving reminder of his roots.
Cpl Gomez may not have left descendants, but his legacy lives on — as a symbol of honour, sacrifice, and the profound contributions of Latin Americans to Canada’s military.
Our freedoms and peace are rooted in the service of those who wear the uniform.
Our strength is unity.
Our resilience is diversity.
And our future is shaped by those who, like Cpl Gomez, serve with courage and honour.
We remember. We honour. We thank you.