Honour, Country, Sacrifice: Capturing the Faces of Service with Trevor Godinho

Acclaimed Toronto-based editorial photographer Trevor Godinho joins host Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, to discuss his powerful portrait series, Honour Country Sacrifice. This moving project captures the stories and faces of Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present, highlighting the diversity and humanity behind the uniform.

Trevor shares how the series honours veterans and serving members from all walks of life, including women, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ communities, and people of colour. Rather than focusing on medals and accolades, Honour Country Sacrifice shines a light on personal stories of dedication, resilience, and quiet sacrifice, from WWII veterans to newly enlisted recruits and families of the fallen.

Through compelling photography and storytelling, Trevor aims to preserve the legacy of service and deepen our understanding of what it truly means to be Canadian.

Topics Covered: 

• Trevor’s journey as an editorial photographer
• The inspiration behind Honour Country Sacrifice
• Veteran recognition and inclusive storytelling
• Remembrance Day reflections
• Military history and personal narratives
• Identity, service, and Canadian values

Links & Resources:

• Commissionaires Nova Scotia: https://commissionaires.ca/podcast 
• Trevor Godinho: https://trevorgodinho.com 
• Honour Country Sacrifice: https://honourcountrysacrifice.com 
• Trevor’s photography subjects: https://trevorgodinho.com/portrait-sessions
• Camp X: https://www.camp-x.com/
• Royal Canadian Military Institute: https://www.rcmi.org/ 
• The Enigma Project: https://www.enigmaproject.ai/ 
• The First Force: https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/the-force-the-legendary-special-ops-unit-and-wwiis-mission-impossible/
• The Devil’s Brigade: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/what-the-devils-brigade-did-in-world-war-ii/ 
• Elinchrom: https://www.elinchrom.com/ 
• Captain Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Series: April 2025: https://truepatriotlove.com/get-involved/events/captain-nichola-goddard-women-in-leadership/ 
• Fred Arsenault and Bren machine gun: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/fred-arsenault-world-war-2-vet-birthday-cards-1.5485335 
• Liberation of Holland: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/liberation-of-holland 
• Commander Paul Smith: https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/paul-smith 
• HMCS York: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/official-military-history-lineages/lineages/list-commissioned-ships/york.html 
• The Hidi Group: https://hidi.com/
• Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation: https://veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/who-we-are/department-officials/minister/minister-veterans-affairs-commendation/trevor-francis-godinho 

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Presented by Commissionaires Nova Scotia

Produced by Podstarter

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What is Purpose & Protection?

Commissionaires Nova Scotia proudly presents Purpose & Protection, a podcast dedicated to the people behind Canada’s security: veterans, their families, civilians and all those dedicated to keeping our communities safe. Each episode explores the lived experiences of those who’ve served, those who support them, and those shaping the future of Canada’s security landscape. From the frontlines to the home front, you’ll hear stories of resilience, leadership and purpose.

As the largest private employer of veterans in Nova Scotia and Canada’s only not-for-profit security provider, Commissionaires is committed to providing meaningful employment to Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their families and Canadians wishing to contribute to the security and wellbeing of Canadians.

Join Barry Pitcher, CEO of Commissionaires Nova Scotia, as he speaks with veterans, security professionals and thought leaders about:
-Life after service – veteran transition, support, and new opportunities
-Canada’s changing security landscape – challenges and innovations
-The civilian role in safety – how communities can contribute and support
Leadership and purpose – serving with integrity and protecting what matters

Whether you are a veteran, a supporter or simply curious about the people protecting our communities Purpose & Protection offers insight, inspiration and connection.