National War Memorial
Canada's national monument honouring those who have served and died in all conflicts, centred on a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures by sculptor Vernon March. Unveiled by King George VI in 1939, it includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (added 2000). Sentries stand guard daily from April to November.
Features
About the National War Memorial
The National War Memorial stands at the centre of Confederation Square, at the intersection of Wellington Street and Elgin Street. Officially titled "The Response," the monument was unveiled on May 21, 1939 by King George VI.
The memorial features a 16-metre granite arch with 22 bronze figures representing uniformed personnel from all services passing through the arch. Two figures atop the arch represent Peace and Freedom. The sculptor was Vernon March of Farnborough, England, who won the commission in a 1925 international competition (127 entries). March died in 1930; his brothers completed the work.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Added in May 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands directly in front of the memorial. It contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from the First World War, exhumed from Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery near Vimy Ridge, France. The remains lay in state on Parliament Hill before interment.
Rededications
- 1939: Originally commemorating Canadians who died in the First World War
- 1982: Rededicated to include the Second World War and the Korean War
- 2014: Rededicated on November 11 to include the Second Boer War (1899–1902) and the War in Afghanistan (2001–2014). New inscription "In Service to Canada" added — now honours all Canadians killed in all conflicts past and future
National Sentry Program
Canadian Armed Forces members stand sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, approximately April (Vimy Ridge Day) through November 10 each year. A separate ceremony takes place on Remembrance Day, November 11.
Remembrance Day
The memorial is the site of Canada's official national Remembrance Day ceremony every November 11, attended by the Prime Minister, Governor General, veterans, and thousands of Canadians. The ceremony includes wreath-laying and two minutes of silence at 11 AM.
Getting There
The memorial is an outdoor public monument, accessible 24 hours a day, free of charge.
- By O-Train: Rideau Station (Line 1), approximately 5-minute walk west
- On Foot: At the intersection of Wellington and Elgin, adjacent to Confederation Park, the Château Laurier, and Parliament Hill
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