October 28th, 2024
Trevor Godinho’s HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE Portrait Series Makes Its Atlantic Canadian Debut
Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) has partnered with internationally acclaimed Toronto-based photographer, Trevor Godinho, on his HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE portrait series, which showcases the stories, and portraits of veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
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.
“In 2017, I spent Remembrance Day with WWII and NATO veterans, listening to their stories,” says Godinho. “It made me wonder—how many other incredible Canadian stories are out there, quietly waiting to be told, and in danger of being lost? We need to preserve them.”
That experience sparked the creation of HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE. Godinho explains that the project isn’t about showcasing highly decorated veterans with heroic medals but about capturing the essence of service and sacrifice. “Through my images, I want people to see the real individuals behind the uniforms. These are personal stories of service, and my hope is that they resonate with others, just as the veterans’ stories did with me back in 2017.”
Godinho has been to Vancouver, parts of Ontario, and is now bringing his project to Atlantic Canada. Through the pandemic, the project took a pause, but in 2023 Godinho resumed and hopes to capture hundreds of photos by the end of 2024. HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE currently is self-funded and has grown with the help of corporate supporters, like CNS, and through a GoFundMe page.
“I knew we had to bring Trevor to Halifax—there’s no better voice and place for his veteran project to soar than here with Commissionaires Nova Scotia,” says Barry Pitcher, CEO. “I met Trevor back in 2020 when he captured the moment I reunited Fred Arsenault, a 100-year-old WWII vet, with the machine gun he carried in Europe during the war.
Trevor showed such compassion and respect for Fred and then went on to expand HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE to what it is today. These portraits are a way for us to honor service to our country.”
Godinho and Pitcher happened to meet in 2020, when they were both visiting, Arsenault, in Toronto for his one-hundredth birthday. Pitcher’s visit was officially as lieutenant colonel on behalf of Princess Louise Fusiliers, a reserve light infantry regiment of the CAF based in Halifax. He had the honour of hand delivering a birthday card to Arsenault. However, in addition, he arrived with a Bren machine gun. This was same type of gun Arsenault had carried during his time in Europe, between 1940 and 1945..
During Pitcher’s visit the Arsenault family had arranged for Godinho to photograph Arsenault. Godinho captured the special moment as Pitcher presented Arsenault with the Bren, reuniting him with the machine gun he has not seen since the end of the war. Arsenault served in the Cape Breton Highlanders during the war. Originally from P.E.I., the war hero has since passed away. Godinho immortalized Arsenault’s story, when capturing his portrait, just as he has set out to do with many others.
Commissionaires began after WWI to create employment opportunities for veterans. One hundred years since the Canadian corps began, the social mandate remains. Commissionaires strives to provide meaningful employment for veterans, their families and others who wish to contribute to the security and well-being of Canadians.
CNS will host Godinho at their Bedford head office from November 9 to 11, 2024, where he will photograph and document the stories of Atlantic Canadians who have served or are currently serving in the CAF or as reservists. The opportunity to highlight and share the stories and portraits of commissionaires embody the social mandate of CNS reinforces the organization’s commitment to honoring military service. These portraits not only celebrate the contributions of veterans and reservists but also emphasize the enduring connection between service members and their communities.
CNS and Godinho are seeking to connect with WWII or Korean War veterans interested in a free portrait. If necessary, arrangements can be made to bring the photo session to the veterans’ location. Participants do not need to wear their uniform but are encouraged to share medals or memorabilia that reflect their service and personal stories.
Those interested in learning more about the project can visit honourcountrysacrifice.com or Follow the project on Instagram: @honourcountrysacrifice. Those interested in helping Godinho capture and preserve the stories of Canadian veterans and CAF members can donate through his GoFundMe page.
Media Contact:
Jill Smith-George
Marketing & Communications Manager
Commissionaires Nova Scotia
[email protected]
About Commissionaires Nova Scotia
Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) is a not-for-profit organization providing professional security, background screening, and identification services throughout the province. Guided by a social mandate, CNS creates meaningful employment opportunities for veterans, their families, and individuals committed to public safety and community well-being. With a team of over 1,300 employees, CNS delivers trusted security solutions while actively supporting community initiatives and fostering a safer, more resilient Nova Scotia.
About HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE
HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE is a portrait project by photographer Trevor Godinho, capturing the stories of CAF members—past, present, and future—and honoring families who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. The project highlights diversity across gender, race, LGBTQ2S+, and Indigenous communities, focusing on service and sacrifice rather than medals. Inspired by Godinho’s time with veterans in 2017, the portraits aim to connect the public with the humanity behind military service. The project is currently self-funded and growing through community support.
About Trevor Godinho
With nearly 20 years of experience, Trevor Godinho is an internationally acclaimed photographer, featured in publications like Forbes, Vogue Italia, Sports Illustrated, GQ Middle East, ELLE Canada, Men’s Health Australia, Playboy USA and the New York Post. He has photographed politicians, artists, and Hollywood A-listers, such as Al Pachino and Margot Robbie, across cities like Toronto, New York, and London. Trevor holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto. His work spans photography, painting, and sculpture, and he actively supports charities like the NATO Association of Canada and Jays Care Foundation.