PO1 (Retired)/commissionaire Stephen Ulrick Tyrone Jackson, active 1986-2019 in the Royal Canadian Navy
Toronto-based photographer, Trevor Godinho, has been selected to receive the prestigious Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. As a recent partner of Godinho’s Honour Country Sacrifice portrait project, Commissionaires Nova Scotia is thrilled to share this announcement. This national honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the care and well-being of veterans or to preserving their stories and sacrifices for future generations.
Godinho’s Honour Country Sacrifice portrait project is a remarkable initiative that captures the humanity and diversity of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, past and present. Since its inception in 2017, the project has highlighted the stories of veterans from the Second World War to today’s service members, including families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. By creating powerful portraits and preserving their stories, Godinho aims to connect Canadians with the personal experiences of those who served.
“I am deeply humbled to be recognized by Veterans Affairs Canada,” said Godinho. “This commendation reflects the voices of every veteran whose story I’ve been privileged to share through this project. Their service and sacrifice are Canada’s heritage, and it’s my honor to preserve that legacy.”
Godinho’s project is not only a celebration of service but also of Canada’s diversity, featuring veterans of all genders, ethnicities, and communities, including 2SLGBTQI+ and Indigenous members. His ultimate goal is to create a traveling and virtual gallery showcasing 400 portraits, ensuring these stories reach Canadians coast to coast.
“In 2017, I spent Remembrance Day with WWII and NATO veterans, listening to their stories,” Godinho shared. “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, a project to share the legacy of veterans and CAF members every day, not just on Remembrance Day. Godinho explained 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 brought the project to Vancouver, BC, parts of Ontario, and Halifax, NS. Through the pandemic, the project took a pause, but in 2023 Godinho resumed. He hopes to capture hundreds of photos by the end of 2024. Honour Country Sacrifice currently is self-funded. Those interested in supporting this initiative can make donations through its GoFundMe page.
This recognition by Veterans Affairs Canada underscores the significant impact of Godinho’s work, reminding all Canadians of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. His work can be explored online at honourcountrysacrifice.com or on Instagram at @honourcountrysacrifice.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation includes a framed certificate and insignia, awarded to recipients who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Canada’s veteran community. A formal presentation took place this morning the Fort York Armory in Toronto.
