July 27th, 2025
Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) hosted renowned photographer and storyteller, Trevor Godinho for his Honour Country Sacrifice portrait series in November 2024 and again in April 2025. This impactful series captures photographs and stories aimed at honouring and amplifying the voices of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans. These sessions are part of CNS’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and showcasing their invaluable contributions to our communities.
Through the two sessions, CNS welcomed 63 veterans, service people and/or their families to our head office and also attended a True Patriot Love Foundation event, the Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Series: Halifax, with Godinho, creating a safe and welcoming space for veterans to share their personal stories. From tales of service and sacrifice to reflections on life after the military, these sessions highlighted the resilience, humour, and humanity of those who have served.
Honour Country Sacrifice aims to share the diverse members of the CAF including all genders and gender expressions, people of colour, LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous communities. The goal is to shine a spotlight, not just on the institution, but the individual Canadians that serve. The project includes veterans from WWII to newly enlisted members, as well as families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
One of the most powerful outcomes of the sessions was the sense of community that emerged. Many participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with others who understood their experiences. For some, it was the first time they had shared their story in a public setting and others the first time they had connected with other veterans since leaving the service.
CNS is proud to have facilitated this initiative and remains committed to creating spaces where veterans feel seen, heard, and valued. These storytelling sessions are just one part of a broader effort to support veterans in meaningful ways, from employment opportunities to community engagement.
As we look ahead, CNS hopes to continue this important work, expanding the reach of these sessions and deepening our support for those who have served. To all the veterans who participated: thank you for your courage, your service, and your stories.
Visit honourcountrysacrifice.com to see all of Godinho’s portraits and hear stories from veterans across the country.
Cpl Curtis Moerike
