On November 8, 2026, representatives of Canada and France gathered at the Amicitia France–Canada Monument at Beechwood Cemetery for a ceremony of remembrance. The gathering honoured those who served and sacrificed, while reaffirming the enduring friendship between our two countries.
Held during Veterans’ Week, the ceremony brought together military personnel, veterans, diplomatic representatives, community organizations and students. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to preserving the memory of those who served and passing that responsibility to future generations.
The program included remarks from Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, President of the Canada–France Interparliamentary Association; Paul Furia, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of France in Canada; Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff; and Ottawa City Councillor Steve Desroches. Their contributions brought Canadian, French, military and municipal perspectives to the commemoration.
Readings of the Act of Remembrance, the Commitment to Remember and *Au champ d’honneur* placed remembrance at the heart of the gathering. These words invited participants to reflect on the lives behind the names preserved on monuments and headstones, and on our responsibility to keep their stories alive.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of governments, the Canadian Armed Forces, French and Canadian police services, remembrance associations and community partners. Representatives of the French community, national orders, the Latin American Soldiers Committee, the Ottawa Defence Attachés Association and local schools also contributed to the tribute.
Nicolas McCarthy and Chief Warrant Officer Jules Bérubé represented the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood during the wreath laying.
The Last Post, two minutes of silence, Reveille and the Lament provided a solemn opportunity for reflection. The national anthems of France and Canada reaffirmed the bonds represented by the Amicitia Monument and the shared purpose of those gathered around it.
The ceremony then continued at the grave of French soldier Jean-François Istel, with a prayer led by Yves Lesieur and remarks by Dr. André Levesque. Moving from the monument to an individual grave brought the commemoration into personal focus: behind every act of service is a person whose life deserves to be remembered.
Beechwood thanks Amicitia France–Canada, the ceremony participants and all supporting organizations for their commitment to remembrance. Through gatherings such as this, the friendship between France and Canada continues to find expression in the care we take to honour those who served.
