Returning Home: CPO1 Murphy Reflects on Freshwater's New War Memorial

For Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Davis Murphy, returning to Freshwater, N.L., as guest of honour for the unveiling of the community's new war memorial was more than a ceremonial responsibility. It was an opportunity to return home, reconnect with the community that helped shape him, and reflect on a naval career spanning more than three decades.

"It was probably one of the proudest things I've done in the CAF," said CPO1 Murphy.

"Growing up in a small town of about 150 people, I never would have imagined that, after 31 years in the military, there would be a war memorial in my hometown."

Held on August 9, 2026, the unveiling marked the culmination of an eight-year community effort to create a lasting tribute to local veterans and serving members. Overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean, it stands as a place for remembrance, honouring generations of service members who have answered the call to serve.

The monument itself is steeped in symbolism.

Its heptagonal base symbolizes the seven seas where Newfoundlanders have served throughout times of war and military operations, while the circular upper section represents the globe and the worldwide contributions of Canadians in uniform.

For CPO1 Murphy, those maritime themes felt especially meaningful.

"Being from Freshwater, the ocean was always part of life," he said.

"We spent a lot of time on boats growing up. Seeing those maritime connections built into the memorial was really meaningful."

The visit also provided an unexpected opportunity to reconnect his own family's military history. During the weekend, CPO1 Murphy was able to recover his grandfather's uniform and reunite it with the medals already in his family's possession.

"My grandfather served in the Navy during the Second World War, but we had never been able to get his uniform," he explained.

"To finally bring it home and reunite it with his medals made the weekend even more meaningful."

Freshwater's strong tradition of military service helped shape CPO1 Murphy's interest in the CAF from an early age. While his grandfather's service was an important part of his family history, he was equally inspired by local military members who returned home and shared their experiences.

"There has always been a willingness to go away and serve, both Newfoundland and Canada," he said.

As guest of honour, CPO1 Murphy delivered remarks, presented a commemorative plaque from the RCN to the community, and awarded Chief of the Navy coins to individuals whose dedication helped bring the memorial project to life.

One presentation in particular left a lasting impression.

The memorial's lead organizer, a Freshwater resident and 38-year military veteran, had spent years advancing the project from concept to reality.

"When I presented him with one of the Chief of the Navy's coins, he became overwhelmed and emotional," he said.

"I hadn't expected that reaction, but it showed me how much the gesture meant to him."

While several moments stood out throughout the weekend, one stands above the rest for CPO1 Murphy.

Having deliberately avoided seeing the monument before the ceremony, he experienced the unveiling alongside everyone else in attendance.

"When the covering was pulled away, I saw the monument and the photograph incorporated into it showing Freshwater as it had looked years ago," he said.

The moment prompted reflection not only on his hometown, but also on a career that has taken him to 54 countries, several ships and postings across Canada.

"Seeing that image made me think about how much the community had changed during the 31 years I had been away," he added.

"So many houses were gone, and so many people were no longer there."

"It was a little overwhelming to reflect on how much had changed."

Freshwater may have changed over the years, but the rich maritime history and the culture of service remain.

For CPO1 Murphy, that enduring sense of remembrance is exactly what makes the project so important.

"The community came together to build it, and it's a beautiful tribute," he said.

"Being there and taking part in the ceremony was emotional. It was a very proud moment, especially to be invited as the guest of honour."