January 17, 2025
Ottawa Chapter Day of Tribute celebrates 20 years of honouring heroes
Organizers of the Ottawa Chapter’s 20th annual Day of Tribute welcomed about 50 eager volunteers as the sun rose over Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ont. on Oct. 25, 2024.
The perfect fall day provided ideal conditions for the crew to enhance the beauty of the grounds prior to Remembrance Day ceremonies. After a heartfelt thank-you from Nicolas McCarthy, director of marketing and communications for Beechwood Cemetery, followed by a few words from Thomas Hoyle, president of the Ottawa Chapter, volunteers set out with a sense of purpose and their landscape maintenance tools and equipment to transform the grounds.
This year, the chapter had the honour of welcoming several special guests, including Chris Lemke, founder of the event, and Owen Sparey from the Commonwealth War Graves. A moment of silence was held to pay tribute to a fallen giant of the industry, Steve Neumann — an ardent supporter of the event, horticultural educator and the chapter’s past president.
Volunteers were given a 20th anniversary Day of Tribute shirt donated by Turf Care Products that symbolized the unity and commitment of Ottawa members to honour their heroes.
Former warrant officer and Day of Tribute chair Pete Campbell reflected, “As a proud retiree of the Canadian Army, I find it truly inspiring and comforting to witness the profound support and compassion that this chapter extends to its fellow Canadians, both those who are currently with us and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The sense of community and camaraderie displayed here serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds we share and the enduring spirit of unity that transcends time and circumstance.”
Organizers would like to recognize the selfless support of volunteers and the many sponsors below who helped to make this event a success: Turf Care Products, Geosynthetic Systems, Beechwood Cemetery, Sipan Tires and Rims, Nutri-Lawn, Manderley, Peter Knippel Garden Centre and Central Turf & Irrigation Supply.
The perfect fall day provided ideal conditions for the crew to enhance the beauty of the grounds prior to Remembrance Day ceremonies. After a heartfelt thank-you from Nicolas McCarthy, director of marketing and communications for Beechwood Cemetery, followed by a few words from Thomas Hoyle, president of the Ottawa Chapter, volunteers set out with a sense of purpose and their landscape maintenance tools and equipment to transform the grounds.
This year, the chapter had the honour of welcoming several special guests, including Chris Lemke, founder of the event, and Owen Sparey from the Commonwealth War Graves. A moment of silence was held to pay tribute to a fallen giant of the industry, Steve Neumann — an ardent supporter of the event, horticultural educator and the chapter’s past president.
Volunteers were given a 20th anniversary Day of Tribute shirt donated by Turf Care Products that symbolized the unity and commitment of Ottawa members to honour their heroes.
Former warrant officer and Day of Tribute chair Pete Campbell reflected, “As a proud retiree of the Canadian Army, I find it truly inspiring and comforting to witness the profound support and compassion that this chapter extends to its fellow Canadians, both those who are currently with us and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The sense of community and camaraderie displayed here serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds we share and the enduring spirit of unity that transcends time and circumstance.”
Organizers would like to recognize the selfless support of volunteers and the many sponsors below who helped to make this event a success: Turf Care Products, Geosynthetic Systems, Beechwood Cemetery, Sipan Tires and Rims, Nutri-Lawn, Manderley, Peter Knippel Garden Centre and Central Turf & Irrigation Supply.