Since his retirement, Mr. Compernolle has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and effort to documenting remembrance activities in Belgium, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Through his photography, he has made a significant contribution to ensuring that the stories of Canadian Veterans, Indigenous servicemen and women, and all those who served alongside them continue to be remembered by present and future generations.
Mr. Compernolle has devoted himself to attending, documenting and promoting commemorative events linked to Canada’s military history. He has documented a remarkable range of commemorative events, including annual ceremonies at the Passchendaele Canadian Memorial (Crest Farm), the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, Tyne Cot Cemetery, and the Brooding Soldier Memorial. He has regularly attended Anzac Day commemorations, Last Post ceremonies at the Menin Gate, burial and rededication services in Belgium and northern France, and major remembrance events marking the centenary of the First World War between 2014 and 2018.
His work has also highlighted important aspects of Canada’s military heritage, including commemorations honouring Indigenous Veterans and servicemen. Notable examples include ceremonies dedicated to Alex Decoteau and commemorations involving Indigenous singers and dancers. Through his photography, Mr. Compernolle has helped ensure that these important stories reach broader audiences and remain accessible for future generations.
In addition to documenting major commemorative events, Mr. Compernolle has played an important role in preserving the memory of individual Canadian service members. He has photographed rededication ceremonies, including that of Canadian Corporal W.B. Cunningham at Tyne Cot Cemetery, and the unveiling of the monument dedicated to Canadian Victoria Cross recipient Thomas “Tommy” Ricketts in Ledegem.
Mr. Compernolle’s photographs serve as a lasting visual record of remembrance activities and help ensure that the sacrifices of Canadian Veterans remain visible and meaningful.