News

Honouring the Heroes of the French Gendarmerie at the Amicitia France-Canada Monument

nmccarthy — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:17 +0000

Honouring the Heroes of the French Gendarmerie at the Amicitia France-Canada Monument nmccarthy Wed, 02/19/2025 - 07:00:AM

On February 18, 2025, the Amicitia French-Canada Monument at Beechwood Cemetery was held in the Sacred Space due to record-breaking snowfall over the weekend. In spite of this, the solemn ceremony still took place commemorating the heroes of the French Gendarmerie. Presided over by the Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet, the event was attended by former Commissioner Brenda Lucki and representatives from Canadian and international military and law enforcement communities.

The ceremony was structured in three key moments: the reading of a historical account, the roll call of those lost in 2024 accompanied by a wreath-laying, and the reading of the official message from the French Minister of the Interior.

The proceedings commenced with the arrival of dignitaries and the salute to the French and Canadian flags, honouring the deep-rooted ties and shared sacrifices between France and Canada. The national anthems, La Marseillaise and O Canada, resonated through the gathering, a poignant reminder of the alliance and mutual respect between both nations.

Remembering the Legacy of the Gendarmerie

The historical account shared during the ceremony traced the origins of the French National Gendarmerie back to February 16, 1791, when the Maréchaussée officially became the National Gendarmerie. This date has since been recognized as a solemn occasion to honour those who have fallen in service. Throughout history, members of the Gendarmerie have shown unwavering commitment, whether on the battlefield, in daily service, or in maintaining public order.

Their bravery has been recorded in the annals of history, from the Great War, where nearly 900 gendarmes gave their lives for France, to the Second World War, where hundreds fought during the invasion of France and thousands joined the Resistance, some making the ultimate sacrifice. The tribute extended to those who fell in Indochina, Algeria, and more recent international operations, underscoring a tradition of heroism and dedication.

Honouring the Fallen of 2024

Since February 16, 2024, twelve members of the Gendarmerie have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their names were solemnly called out and added to the Golden Book of the Gendarmerie, ensuring their memory is preserved. Each name represented a life of service, a dedication to duty, and an unbreakable commitment to the values of the Gendarmerie. Following the roll call, dignitaries laid wreaths in their memory, and a moment of silence was observed. The ceremony concluded with the reading of the official message from the Minister of the Interior, reaffirming France’s enduring respect and gratitude for those who serve and sacrifice.

A Lasting Tribute

The commemoration, originally planned for the Amicitia Monument, was a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between France and Canada, forged in history and reinforced through shared service and sacrifice. The event not only paid tribute to the fallen but also underscored the values of duty, courage, and remembrance that unite both nations. As the ceremony drew to a close, attendees reflected on the significance of this moment, ensuring that the legacy of these brave men and women continues to inspire future generations.

News

February 19, 2025

Beechwood Cemetery: A Reflection of Canadian Identity and Legacy

nmccarthy — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 18:56:25 +0000

Beechwood Cemetery: A Reflection of Canadian Identity and Legacy nmccarthy Sun, 02/02/2025 - 01:56:PM

Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, Beechwood Cemetery stands as a symbol of Canada’s values, history, and unwavering commitment to honouring those who have shaped our nation. More than just a burial ground, Beechwood is a proud reflection of Canada itself—diverse, resilient, and steeped in a legacy of service and remembrance.

It is the National Cemetery of Canada, the home of the National Military Cemetery, and the final resting place for members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). As a designated National Historic Site of Canada, Beechwood stands as a testament to our collective past while embracing the future.

A National Historic Site and a Place of Reflection

Beechwood was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2001, recognized for its rich history and breathtaking landscape. It is a place where families come together to honour loved ones, where history is preserved, and where Canadians can connect with their heritage. Its rolling terrain, winding paths, and carefully preserved memorials reflect Canada’s multicultural identity and deep respect for those who have served.

The National Military Cemetery: A Tribute to Service

As the home of the National Military Cemetery, Beechwood stands as a solemn tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms. It is a place of honour for those who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Whether in times of war or peace, these individuals exemplified the courage and dedication that define Canada’s commitment to justice and security.

The RCMP and CSIS National Memorial Cemeteries: Guardians of Canada

Beechwood is also home to the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery, where members of Canada’s iconic national police force are laid to rest with dignity. Their unwavering commitment to upholding the law and serving Canadians is forever enshrined within these sacred grounds. Likewise, the CSIS National Memorial Cemetery honours those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation through intelligence and security efforts. These cemeteries stand as a lasting tribute to the guardians of Canada, ensuring their legacies endure.

A Proud Reflection of Canada

Beechwood Cemetery is more than a resting place; it is a living history of Canada. It represents the heart and soul of a nation that values remembrance, resilience, and respect. It is where generations of Canadians—military heroes, law enforcement officers, public servants, and everyday citizens—are honoured for their contributions to our shared history. Beechwood’s role in national commemorations, from Remembrance Day ceremonies to wreath-laying traditions, underscores its significance as a place of unity and pride.

A Reflection of Canada’s Diversity

As Canada’s National Cemetery, Beechwood is a true representation of the country’s multicultural identity. It serves as the final resting place for individuals from all walks of life—those who have come from around the world to make Canada their home and have contributed to the fabric of our nation. Beechwood actively supports and embraces Canada’s rich cultural communities, recognizing the importance of faith, tradition, and heritage in memorialization. From dedicated burial sections for different faiths to the celebration of cultural traditions in funeral services, Beechwood honours the diversity that defines our country.

Beechwood is Canada’s National Cemetery, and it proudly reflects the essence of our country. It is a place where history, service, and sacrifice are woven into the very fabric of the land. In remembering those who have come before us, we reaffirm our commitment to the values that define Canada—honour, duty, and the enduring spirit of a nation built on the foundations of service and remembrance.

News

February 4, 2025

Wreath Placed on Over 5,400 Military Graves

nmccarthy — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:03:33 +0000

Wreath Placed on Over 5,400 Military Graves nmccarthy Wed, 01/29/2025 - 07:03:AM

To mark the holiday season, over 250 volunteers came together to honour the sacrifices and celebrate the legacy of Canada’s military personnel and their families.

This year, a wreath was placed on over 5,400 Canadian military personnel headstones at Wreaths Across Canada annual event. The organization noted it was due to volunteers as they unloaded the wreaths, made over 3,000 bows, placed the wreaths on headstones, and cleaned them up.

Annual Ceremony

The organization’s mission is to honour the sacrifices and celebrate the legacy of Canada’s military personnel and their families. “Honouring Sacrifice and Celebrating Legacy summarizes the significance of Wreaths Across Canada’s purpose.

We are honouring our military members and military families for their service and, more importantly, celebrating their legacy,” said Cyndi Mills, president of Wreaths Across Canada.

Wreaths Across Canada held its annual ceremony in Ottawa on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at the National Cemetery Main Monument at Beechwood. Wreaths were placed on graves in the Veterans and War Dead Section, Last Post Section, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, National Cemetery, and Notre Dame Cemetery. The annual event is held on the first Sunday in December, at the beginning of the holiday season.

Read the full article here.

News

Canadian Military Family Magazine

January 29, 2025

The Beechwood Way - Winter 2025 Vol.31

nmccarthy — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:15:11 +0000

The Beechwood Way - Winter 2025 Vol.31 nmccarthy Fri, 01/10/2025 - 09:15:AM

It’s an exciting time to look forward to what 2025 holds for Beechwood Cemetery as we continued our over 150 year dedication to serving our community in all forms that it may take. Beechwood remains a space for both reflection and celebration. We are crafting a series of events designed to honour our shared history while actively shaping our future through educational initiatives, meaningful commemorations, and robust community engagement. We are particularly excited about the expansion of our environmental initiatives.

The upcoming year will see the full realization of the Marsh Rehabilitation Project and the development of the Beechwood Arboretum, illustrating our deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

Moreover, we will enhance our Death Literacy programs. These include the continuation of our Death Cafés, which foster open discussions about dying and death, and our Death Dialogue series, which brings experts to share insights on topics ranging from death doula services to casket manufacturing and more.

Our outreach and educational efforts will also grow. We aim to engage more schools in tours that delve into subjects from reconciliation and Canadian history to military and policing heritage, ensuring a rich, well-rounded educational experience. As well as host a series of events that look at certain aspects of our history and cherished symbols of our country. Your active participation is vital as we expanded our initiatives.

We invite you to join us at our events, engage with our programs, and continue to share your stories and experiences, which are the heart of our community.

Beechwood Cemetery is excited to announce our presence on Bluesky, a rapidly growing social media platform that fosters engaging and meaningful dialogue. By joining Bluesky (@beechwood-ottawa.bsky.social), we aim to extend our community outreach, sharing updates, events, and stories that resonate with our values of remembrance and community involvement. This platform offers us a new avenue to connect with you, allowing for deeper interaction and more dynamic exchanges about our initiatives and the rich history we preserve. We invite you to follow us and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate and honor our shared heritage in innovative ways.

Together, let's make 2025 a year of memorable ceremony and storytelling. We look forward to continuing to foster a space that not only preserves memories of the past but also inspires the next generations for the future.

News

January 16, 2025

The Beechwood Way - Fall 2024 - Vol.30

nmccarthy — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:09:52 +0000

The Beechwood Way - Fall 2024 - Vol.30 nmccarthy Wed, 01/08/2025 - 07:09:AM

It has been an inspiring season here at Beechwood Cemetery. With each passing day, I am reminded of the powerful role this sacred ground plays in both our collective remembrance and our journey toward reconciliation.

Over the past months, we have seen an incredible influx of school groups visiting our grounds for reconciliation tours. These young minds, eager to learn and engage, represent the hope for a future rooted in understanding and respect. Their presence reminds us that reconciliation is not just a word; it’s an ongoing action that each generation must carry forward. These students are taking their first steps in this essential journey, and we are honoured to be part of that.

Likewise, the spirit of remembrance has been alive and well through the generosity of our volunteers. This year’s clean-up at the National Military Cemetery was an overwhelming success, with more hands joining together than ever before. It is a testament to the deep sense of community that surrounds us, proving that remembrance is also an action.

The care and dedication shown by these volunteers ensure that the legacy of our veterans is preserved with dignity and honour. Reconciliation and remembrance are not passive acts. They require each of us to show up, engage, and commit to actions that foster healing and memory.

I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together and look forward to what we can achieve in the months to come. As we move into the Remembrance Day season, Beechwood has many ceremonies planned, each reflecting the rich diversity of groups and organizations coming together in remembrance. While we might honour different contributions to serving the country, on November 11 we unite as one to reflect on the sacrifices of all Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families. This moment of collective remembrance binds us together as a nation in gratitude and respect. Lest we forget and, as always, thank you for being part of this ongoing journey.

We hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to seeing you soon.

News

November 12, 2024

Off

2024 Fundraising - Ways to donate

ewagner — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:26:28 +0000

2024 Fundraising - Ways to donate ewagner Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:26:AM

The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation is a small but mighty non-profit. The donations given annually go towards the beautification of the gardens, the care that goes into designing the grounds and the maintenance of the property. The reason Beechwood Cemetery looks as amazing as it does is because of the generosity of our donors.

The Canada Post strike has drastically impacted the Foundation’s annual giving. The letter mailout never reached mailboxes. This is why Beechwood is pivoting and trying to think outside the box to ensure our 2025 programming is not impacted. Below are four ways you can still donate this year.

Donate directly on our website

When donating to the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation, you will instantly receive a tax receipt via email if you donate directly through our website. You can also select which program your donation impacts. Please consider donating today.

https://beechwoodottawa.ca/en/donation

Over the phone giving

Please call 613-741-9530 ex 122 or ask for the fundraising coordinator Erika Wagner, she will be more than happy to process your donation over the phone.

In person drop off

Our building is open! If you want to drop off a cheque, we have the donation forms at the front desk to ensure you get your tax receipt. Please come by!

Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST

Pick-up

Don’t want to drive in the snow? On Friday’s, Beechwood is willing to drive to your house and pick up a donation over $50. This is locally based within the Ottawa region. Please call 613-741-9530 ex 122 or ask for the fundraising coordinator Erika Wagner, she will organize timing of pickup.

News

December 11, 2024

Off

Photos: Remembrance Day 2024

nmccarthy — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:21:44 +0000

Photos: Remembrance Day 2024 nmccarthy Tue, 11/12/2024 - 07:21:AM

A gallery of photos taken on Remembrance Day in Ottawa.

Click here.

Note that the cover photo is from the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation Collection, not in the gallery.

News

The Canadian Press

November 12, 2024

Remembrance Day at the National Military Cemetery

nmccarthy — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:16:01 +0000

Remembrance Day at the National Military Cemetery nmccarthy Tue, 11/12/2024 - 07:16:AM

Joining us live from the National Military Cemetery is Nicolas McCarthy. He is the Director of Marketing for Beechwood Cemetery.

Click here to watch the full click.

News

CTV Ottawa Morning Live

November 11, 2024

Crowds gather at cenotaphs in Ottawa and across eastern Ontario to mark Remembrance Day

nmccarthy — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:09:00 +0000

Crowds gather at cenotaphs in Ottawa and across eastern Ontario to mark Remembrance Day nmccarthy Tue, 11/12/2024 - 07:09:AM

............At Beechwood Cemetery, the National Military Cemetery, military members and their families and friends marked Remembrance Day by paying tribute to those who died giving their lives to service. "There are many people here I served with in the Armed Forces.

As a chaplain, I buried some of them here. So I feel a connection to them, their families and to the country," said retried Lt-Col. Donald Maclean.

"It's a kind of a special, solemn time." Kathleen Code brought her late father's medals to the ceremony. "To honour our father, to honour the memory of all his friends that he lost during the War and after, his service to his country and how much he loved Canada. And that was so important for him, even at a very young and tender age,"

Code said. "My father was in Burma, which is not very talked about other than the ones in Europe," said Code's brother, retired Master Cpl. Michael John Brennan. "I was in the Navy first and I switched to the Air Force and I worked in the same squadrons he participated in the Second World War."

Click here to read the full article.

News

Katie Griffrin, CTV News Ottawa Digital Multi-Skilled Journalist

November 12, 2024

Honouring New Zealand’s Legacy: A Dawn Remembrance Ceremony

nmccarthy — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:28:34 +0000

Honouring New Zealand’s Legacy: A Dawn Remembrance Ceremony nmccarthy Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:28:AM

At dawn on November 8, 2024, Beechwood Cemetery hosted a solemn and moving ceremony to honour the service and sacrifices of New Zealanders who gave their lives in conflicts around the world. The New Zealand Remembrance Ceremony brought together diplomats, military representatives, and expatriates to pay tribute to the enduring connection between Canada and New Zealand.

The event featured the New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Cecile Hillyer, as well as Commander Mark Tapsell, RNZN, New Zealand Defence Advisor to Canada. Members of the New Zealand Defence team and New Zealand expatriates joined the ceremony, creating a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Honouring Sergeant Pilot Blyth Kempton-Werohia

The ceremony centred on remembrance, with a special tribute to Sergeant Pilot Blyth Kempton-Werohia, a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force who trained in Canada during World War II. Born in Te Puke, New Zealand, in 1921, Kempton-Werohia was the son of Whetu Henare Kempton-Werohia and Margery Dinah Kempton-Werohia.

Sergeant Kempton-Werohia completed his training under the Commonwealth Air Training Plan at the Royal Canadian Air Force’s No. 6 Service Flying Training School in Dunnville, Ontario. After earning his wings in Rockcliffe in June 1942, he was posted to No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School in Picton, Ontario.

Tragically, his life was cut short on August 14, 1942, when his aircraft crashed into Lake Ontario. Just 21 years old, he died one week before his planned wedding to Margaret Mary Humble. As part of the ceremony, a wreath was laid at Sergeant Kempton-Werohia’s headstone.

The solemn act of remembrance, accompanied by poppy placements, served as a heartfelt tribute to his sacrifice and to the countless New Zealanders who served far from home.

Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand, part of the ceremony was conducted in Te Reo Māori, the language of the Māori people. The karakia (prayer) was a deeply spiritual moment, invoking blessings and honouring the memory of those who served. The inclusion of Te Reo Māori highlighted the importance of cultural identity and unity in remembrance.

High Commissioner Cecile Hillyer, Commander Tapsell and the defense team delivered powerful reflections, emphasizing the strong bonds between Canada and New Zealand, forged through shared sacrifices and collective values.

The ceremony concluded with the national anthems of both New Zealand (Aotearoa) and Canada. During the Canadian anthem, a fly-past of Canadian geese soared overhead, a fitting and serendipitous tribute to the natural beauty and freedom that these nations hold dear. The playing of both anthems symbolized the enduring friendship and mutual respect between New Zealand and Canada, bringing the event to a moving close.

As the sun rose over Beechwood Cemetery, the participants—representing a cross-section of diplomats, military personnel, and expatriates—dispersed with a renewed commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are remembered and honoured.

The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the strength of shared values, the beauty of cultural diversity, and the importance of remembrance. Through stories like that of Sergeant Kempton-Werohia and symbols like the New Zealand and Canadian anthems, we carry forward the legacy of those who served.

Lest We Forget.

News

November 8, 2024