News Article

Seeking WWII, Korean War, and Persian Gulf War Veterans for Historic Portrait Series

Published: April 1, 2025

Halifax, N.S. April 1, 2025 – Commissionaires Nova Scotia (CNS) and internationally acclaimed Toronto-based photographer Trevor Godinho are issuing a special call for WWII, Korean War and Persian Gulf war veterans to participate in the Honour Country Sacrifice portrait series. This powerful project captures the faces and stories of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veterans and service members, preserving their legacies for future generations.

Last fall, CNS hosted Godinho at their Head Office in Bedford to capture portraits and service stories of Nova Scotians. On April 4 and 5, 2025, CNS will welcome Godinho back, where he will photograph veterans and CAF members to document their personal experiences.

Originally inspired by a Remembrance Day spent listening to WWII and NATO veterans in 2017, Honour Country Sacrifice goes beyond medals and accolades—it focuses on the individuals behind the uniform. The project is lasting tribute to service and sacrifice, highlighting the diverse makeup of the CAF, showcasing veterans of all genders, gender expressions, people of colour, 2SLGBTQI+ and Indigenous communities.

“In 2020, I had the privilege of witnessing Trevor capture a deeply moving moment between WWII veteran Fred Arsenault and the machine gun he carried in Europe,” says Barry Pitcher, CEO of CNS. “Trevor’s ability to preserve history through photography is unparalleled. Since Halifax is home to the Forces’ largest military base, we knew we had to bring him back to Nova Scotia to continue this work.”

For one hundred years, Commissionaires has been committed to providing employment opportunities for veterans, their families and others who wish to contribute to the security and well-being of Canadians. This project was a natural fit.

Since its inception, Honour Country Sacrifice has documented hundreds of CAF members across Canada, from British Columbia and Ontario to Nova Scotia, with Godinho returning to Halifax to continue to expand the series. His goal is to capture the stories of 400 active and retired CAF members from across Canada, culminating in a nationwide exhibition to raise public awareness about the stories and diversity of Canada’s military members and their families. 

“As time passes, so too do the voices of those who served,” says Godinho when asked why he created the project. “It is an opportunity to honor and preserve the remarkable stories of veterans and members of the forces before they are lost to time, ensuring their sacrifices and experiences are never forgotten.”

CNS and Godinho are seeking WWII, Korean War, and Persian Gulf War veterans for this free portrait opportunity, among other veterans and CAF members. If necessary, arrangements can be made for off-site photo sessions (please contact CNS head office). Participants are not required to wear uniforms but are encouraged to bring memorabilia, or personal items that reflect their service and share who they are as an individual.

“I enlisted in 1950 in Halifax… My first two years in the army were in the infantry with the Royal Canadian Regiment. I did a tour of Korea with them as an Infantry Wireless Operator,” said Sergeant (Ret’d) Reginald Hugh Borden last November in Halifax, when asked about his military experience. “When I got back…. I went out and got my jump wings, my paratroop wings, from there… I was in several units and my longest term was with the Black Watch. I joined them in Germany.”

Borden retired in Debert, NS in 1975 and was only 18 years old when he began his service. He was just one of the many veterans and serving members Godinho had the opportunity to include in the project last November. Borden’s entire two-and-a-half-minute story can be found on the Honour Country Sacrifice website along with the many others who have participated in the series.

Godinho is funding the project from himself and through support of people and organizations, like CNS. Donations can be made through his GoFundMe page, where he states, “Every contribution counts, and all donors will be acknowledged on our official website as a testament to your support in ensuring that the sacrifices of our service [people] are never forgotten.”

Those interested in participating in the project on April 4 and 5 can sign up through CNS’ Calendly booking page. The portrait sittings take no more than 15 minutes. Some participants choose to be photographed in their uniform others wish to have something they are proud of or a personal item like a family photo, or something military or trade related. Some veterans have chosen to be photographed with another serving member with whom they share a special bond. To learn more about the project visit honourcountrysacrifice.com or follow the project on Instagram: @honourcountrysacrifice.

Press Photos and Media Assets:
Download high-resolution images here.

Copyright Notice:
All images are © Trevor Godinho. These images are provided for editorial use only in connection with HONOUR COUNTRY SACRIFICE and must be credited to Trevor Godinho. Unauthorized use, modification, or distribution is prohibited.

Media Contact:

Jill Smith-George
Marketing & Communications Manager
Commissionaires Nova Scotia

jsmith-george@commissionaires.ns.ca

902 421 2384

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 1,200 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.