Location: Carveth Care Centre, Gananoque, ON
At Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque, remembrance is more than a November tradition. It is part of the home’s identity and daily life, where residents, staff, and families take pride in recognizing those who have served Canada.
Carveth defines a veteran as anyone who has served in the Canadian military, whether or not they were posted to areas of conflict. This inclusive approach ensures that every individual who contributed through service is recognized and honoured. Six veterans currently live at the home, ranging in age from 81 to 101 years old.
Inside the home, a Wall of Honour features portraits of veterans currently living in the home, along with their names and branches of service. Families often stop to take photos, and residents pause to share memories with those pictured or to share their own stories.
Across from the Wall of Honour in an outdoor courtyard, a beautiful Veterans’ Memorial Garden features 57 engraved memorial stones to honour the homes’ veterans over the years. An event is held in the garden every August, attended both by local dignitaries and many returning families who find the garden a source of pride and comfort.
The Wall of Honour and Memorial Garden began as passion projects of Tammy Kean, an activity aide who has worked at Carveth for 35 years. She has a deep respect for veterans and is committed to ensuring that every veteran in the home is recognized and thanked for their service.
Over the years, Tammy has listened to countless stories from residents who served. One navy veteran recalled when his ship went down – he and his captain floated in open water for two days, and he noted with humour that he was refused a cigarette after rescue because he had joined underage and was just 15. Another, a former bomber pilot, could remember each mission in detail. “These stories stay with you,” she says.
Tammy adds that veterans living with advanced dementia often have a visible comfort in being with other veterans at the events. “The connection between veterans is deep and meaningful,” she says. “It’s something only they can truly understand.”
Tammy’s goal is to ensure that remembrance is personalized and enduring – and to help younger generations understand what service members have done for Canada. “It’s a privilege to care for veterans and to make sure their stories are told. It’s our duty to ensure their service is never forgotten.”