National War Memorial | Ottawa

The National War Memorial is one of Canada's most important and solemn monuments, standing as a powerful symbol of remembrance and national pride. Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, it honors Canadians who have served and sacrificed in times of war, military conflict, and peacekeeping missions.

Overview

Location: Confederation Square, Ottawa, Ontario (near Parliament Hill)

Unveiled: May 21, 1939, by King George VI

Sculptor: Vernon March (of England)

Original Purpose: To commemorate those who served in World War I

Later Dedications: Expanded to include World War II, the Korean War, the Second Boer War, the War in Afghanistan, and peacekeeping operations

Design and Symbolism

The memorial is a striking stone and bronze monument, featuring a central granite arch with bronze figures emerging through it.

Key Elements:

The Arch: A tall granite structure representing the gateway between war and peace.

The Bronze Figures: 22 life-size soldiers, sailors, airmen, nurses, and other service members march forward through the arch. They represent all branches of the military, symbolizing the unity and sacrifice of Canada’s armed forces.

The Winged Figures: At the top of the arch are two bronze figures—Peace and Freedom—symbolizing what Canadians fought for.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Added in 2000, this is a marble tomb placed in front of the memorial. It holds the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France during World War I. The tomb serves as a national symbol of sacrifice for all unknown fallen soldiers.

Ceremonies and Importance

The National War Memorial is the focal point for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada, held annually on November 11. The ceremony includes:

A national moment of silence

Laying of wreaths by dignitaries, veterans, and family members

The Last Post and Reveille bugle calls

A 21-gun salute

A flypast by Royal Canadian Air Force jets

Other important military and commemorative ceremonies are held here throughout the year, including visits by foreign leaders, royal figures, and Canadian officials.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

This tomb was created to give Canadians a focal point to honor those whose names and resting places are unknown. The remains were brought from a cemetery near Vimy Ridge in France—site of one of Canada's most significant World War I battles.

The tomb is regularly adorned with poppies, flags, notes, and flowers from visitors, especially around Remembrance Day. It is also under 24-hour ceremonial guard during the summer months by members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Surrounding Area

The memorial sits in Confederation Square, a busy intersection surrounded by major landmarks like Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the Fairmont Château Laurier.

It is part of a broader network of monuments and memorials across downtown Ottawa, such as the Peacekeeping Monument and the Vimy Ridge Memorial statue nearby.

Significance

The National War Memorial isn’t just a sculpture—it’s a living symbol of the honor, bravery, and sacrifice of Canadians in war and peacekeeping missions. It connects generations and serves as a place for national reflection.

It also stands as a visible reminder of Canada’s commitment to freedom, peace, and democracy, and it plays a central role in how the nation remembers and honors its military history.