Almost three years in the making, a new photo exhibit telling the stories of Latin American soldiers in the two world wars of the 20th century was recently unveiled at Byward Market.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Fields of Sacrifice exhibit marked the beginning of Latin American Heritage Month celebrations this October. The exhibit is part of a broader effort by Native Latin Americans to raise awareness of Latin American history and culture in Ottawa.
“It’s time to recognize these soldiers,” said Capt. Rey Garcia-Salas of the Canadian Armed Forces. “First of all, we should be proud as a community, as the Canadian Armed Forces, as a Canadian society, because recognizing these members will give us a historical identity.
Garcia-Salas led the research for the project, which he began in 2019, as a way to connect with his Guatemalan heritage and military background. His work included accessing archives from the federal government, as well as contacting Latin American families with relatives who participated in World War I (1914-18) or World War II (1939-45).
The exhibit featured 66 graphic posters, flags and photos of Latin American soldiers from both world wars, including documents and historical facts from sources such as Library and Archives Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
“(The soldiers) came from different parts of Latin America and they knew they were capable of representing Canada in World War I and World War II,” Garcia-Salas said. “They modeled respect in that sense and they looked out for each other.”
According to Garcia-Salas, it is difficult to get an exact total for the number of Latin Americans who served in the two world wars, but he estimates the number to be in the hundreds of thousands. However, he said that we “don’t need to base on numbers” the act of honoring them.
“We have to remember that even if it’s just one person who came and participated with the Canadian Armed Forces, it’s enough to give that person respect,” he said. He explained that many Latin Americans volunteered for conscription in Canada and left behind their countries of origin, and most faced language barriers to do so.
Commemorating these soldiers and the challenges they faced is the goal of the Committee of Latin American Soldiers, an organization Garcia-Salas founded in January. Giuseppe Marconi, a member of the Mexican heritage committee who helped organize the exhibition, described the contribution of Latin Americans in the world wars as “an emotional story”.
“You get to know their names and you get to learn about these battles,” said Marconi, whose grandfather served in World War II. “You don’t just see a picture – you have a connection that takes you to that moment.”
One soldier who is particularly important to both Garcia-Salas and Marconi is Private Rafael Rodriguez, originally from Mexico who served in the Canadian infantry in the First World War. Garcia-Salas says Rodriguez was “an outstanding soldier” in his division who eventually died of his wounds in battle.
Argentine soldiers in World War II
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Graphics dedicated to Argentine officers who served Canada during World War II. [Photo © Rianna Lim/Capital Current]
Other members of the local Latin American community say the exhibit stands as an important marker of the Latin American presence in Ottawa. Marcela Martinez, former president of the Columbian-Canadian Community of Ottawa-Gatineau, said seeing the exhibit made her “very proud” to share her culture with Ottawa locals.
“This exhibit shows that we, as Latin Americans, have a real commitment to this country,” Martinez said. “It shows that we have an important role in the history of this country and that we helped build this nation.”
Martinez added that events like the expo are ways for Canadians to understand the diversity of Latin America and “integrate into the culture,” especially during Latin American Heritage Month.
However, learning about Latin American history won’t stop at the end of October, Garcia-Salas said.
“The main goal is to celebrate their memory every year. If we only celebrate for one year, it’s like they’re dying a second time,” Garcia-Salas said. “It is not good for our historical identity. We must continue to honor them.”
Marconi adds that the committee will continue to research the contributions of Latin American soldiers in the world wars and hopes the exhibit will feature even more names and photos next year.
“Fields of Sacrifice” was on display at ByWard Market’s 55 Gallery through October 2. Celebrations of Latin American culture in Ottawa are continuing throughout October, including a Latin American soldier memorial at the National Military Cemetery on Monday, October 17.
“When I see this (exhibit), my heart almost explodes to see every face, every name — for the first time, they’re coming to life in Canada,” Garcia-Salas said. “It’s a feeling I can’t describe because we’re giving those names, those faces to our society.”
