
A Candle in the Night: Honouring the Legacy of Cpl Francisco Gomez
On the evening of July 17, 2025, under the solemn stillness of twilight, a historic vigil was held in memory of 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), the Embassy of Guatemala, Beechwood National Cemetery BNC, and with the full support of the Canadian Armed Forces, this commemorative event marked a milestone — the first official ceremony dedicated to honouring the legacy and sacrifices of Latin American men and women in Canada’s military history.
Master of Ceremonies Nick McCarthy (LASC and BNC) opened the vigil with a heartfelt welcome, reminding all gathered that this event was not only a tribute to Cpl Gomez, but a moment of collective recognition for all Latin Americans who have proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces since the First World War. It was an evening steeped in dignity, remembrance, and profound gratitude.
Following solemn military tradition, the ceremony began with the Last Post, two minutes of silence, the Rouse, and the Lament. A deeply symbolic candle lighting and flower-laying ceremony followed, led with grace by Warrant Officer Pinet.
Flowers were respectfully placed by:
- Giuseppe Marconi, representing the Latin American Soldiers Committee
- Carlos Eduardo Bran, on behalf of the Embassy of Guatemala •
- Wayne MacCulloch, representing the Canadian Armed Forces
- LASC Chaplain Yves Lesieur and his wife Kathy, who laid a wreath Kathy crafted by hand using the colours of Latin American flags — a personal and heartfelt tribute
- Colonel Ronald Gonzales Regazo, representing the Military Attaché Corps
Carlos Eduardo Bran, Minister-Counsellor of the Guatemalan Embassy, delivered poignant remarks on Cpl Gomez’s unwavering commitment to the values Canada defends. He highlighted his contributions in missions overseas and underscored the growing importance of Latin Americans in the CAF and the bilateral cooperation between Canada and Latin American nations.
Captain Rey Garcia-Salas, speaking on behalf of both the CAF and the LASC, honoured Cpl Gomez’s 23-year military career — from his time with the elite Airborne Regiment in Somalia, to missions in Bosnia and Cyprus, and finally, to his deployment in Afghanistan. Cpl Gomez was remembered not only as a highly skilled soldier but as a man of principle who chose to remain close to his peers, embodying humility, professionalism, and camaraderie.
“In the battlefield, on missions abroad, or working on any base at home, there are no races, no colours, and no divisions,” said Capt Garcia-Salas. “We all wear the same uniform and trust one another with our lives.” At the time of his death, Cpl Gomez was serving with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), attached to the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. On July 22, 2006, he and Cpl Jason Warren were tragically killed in a suicide vehicle attack near Kandahar. Eight other soldiers were injured. For his outstanding service, Cpl Gomez was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration and the Special Service Medal.
LASC Chaplain Yves Lesieur offered closing reflections that spoke to the spirit of love and selflessness in Cpl Gomez’s life. “Even though he didn’t know many people personally, he gave his life for his friends. That is absolute love,” he said. His wife, Kathy, followed with a prayer in Spanish, a beautiful gesture that embraced the cultural roots of the evening.
Messages left in the LASC Remembrance Book highlighted the deep emotional resonance of the event:
- MCpl Ortiz Gutarra wrote: “It is an honour to commemorate the memory of Cpl Gomez, who represented Canada and the Latin American and Caribbean community in the CAF. Thank you for your service.”
- Colonel Santiago Altamirano, Military Attaché of Ecuador, added: “To serve the freedom of peoples and the freedom of life is an honour. Thank you for your service. May God bless what your heart protected.”
- Christopher Baldacchino, representing The French Souvenir, stated: “We all need to remember and never forget what they have done and sacrificed for the community. We will remember.”
The vigil closed with the Canadian National Anthem, echoing through the grounds of Beechwood National Cemetery as a final act of reverence and unity.
Though Cpl Gomez left no spouse or children, he left behind something even more enduring: a legacy of courage, humility, and sacrifice. His name now lives among the stories that shape Canada’s military narrative — and among the hearts of those who continue to serve in his honour.
This vigil was more than a ceremony. It was a declaration — that the contributions of all who serve, regardless of origin, are valued and remembered. It is a reminder that everything we hold dear in Canada — our freedoms, our safety, our human rights — exists because of the sacrifices of those who serve in uniform.
It is a truth we must never forget:
- Our strength as a nation lies in our unity.
- Our resilience is born from our diversity.
- And our future is secured by the courage of those who stand together, just as our ancestors did — and just as our members in uniform continue to do today.
Corporal Francisco Gomez — we remember you. We honour you. We thank you.