Remembering 9/11: Honouring the Canadians Among the Fallen

Each year, on September 11th, we pause to remember a day that forever changed the world. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon resulted in nearly 3,000 lives lost.

Among them were 24 Canadians—individuals who were mothers, fathers, children, and friends. Their stories are woven into the larger tapestry of a day marked by unimaginable loss and extraordinary heroism. At Beechwood Cemetery, Canada’s National Cemetery, the Beechwood 9/11 Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to those 24 Canadians who perished.

Dedicated on September 15, 2002, it was one of the first memorials built to commemorate the victims of 9/11 and remains the only one in Canada specifically dedicated to the Canadians who lost their lives that day. This memorial is more than just a list of names etched in stone. It is a place where the grief of the entire nation can find expression. It represents the shared sorrow of a global community and the deep connections between Canada and the United States.

The memorial was conceived by Beechwood staff member Tania Turpin, who recognized the need for a space where Canadians could come together to mourn, remember, and find comfort in their collective grief.

The inscription on the plaque is simple yet powerful:

"IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE CANADIANS LOST / À LA MÉMOIRE DES VICTIMES CANADIENNES / SEPTEMBER 11 SEPTEMBRE 2001."

These words capture the essence of the memorial—a place to honour those lost not just as individuals but as part of a broader, shared tragedy. The 24 Canadians remembered here are part of a much larger story of loss. Their lives, along with the thousands of others, were abruptly and violently ended on that fateful day. They are also part of the ongoing story of courage and sacrifice, as we remember the first responders who rushed into danger, many of whom have since succumbed to illnesses related to their brave actions on that day.

As we pause today at the Beechwood 9/11 Memorial, we do so not only to remember the Canadians who perished but to reflect on the collective loss experienced by people worldwide. This memorial stands as a symbol of our enduring commitment to remember all who were lost, including the brave first responders whose sacrifice continues to echo through the years.

In honouring the Canadians among the fallen, we honour them all—those who were taken from us on September 11, 2001, and those who gave their lives in the service of others. Their memories live on through this monument, a lasting tribute to the resilience and unity that emerged from the darkest of days.