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