The National War Memorial stands at the heart of Ottawa as Canada’s tribute to those who served and died in war. Rising at the intersection of Confederation Square, the monument has witnessed decades of remembrance ceremonies and serves as a powerful symbol of sacrifice and national unity.
From its 1939 unveiling by King George VI to its role in contemporary Remembrance Day services, the National War Memorial connects Canadians to their military history and to each other.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: The National War Memorial was unveiled in 1939 by King George VI, originally commemorating World War I. The monument was rededicated in 1982 to include World War II and the Korean War, and again in 2014 to include all Canadian military conflicts. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was added in 2000.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Unveiled | May 21, 1939 |
| 📍 Location | Confederation Square, Ottawa |
| 🎟️ Sculptor | Vernon March |
| ⏰ Height | 21.34 metres (70 feet) |
History of the Memorial
Origins and Design
The National War Memorial was conceived to honour Canadians who died in World War I—the conflict that forged Canadian national identity through terrible sacrifice. A design competition in 1925 attracted proposals from around the world.
British sculptor Vernon March won with his design “The Response”—a dramatic composition showing soldiers and support figures passing through a granite arch, symbolizing the nation’s response to the call of duty. Tragically, March died before completing the work; his brothers finished the bronze figures according to his designs.
The monument’s construction took years, delayed by the Great Depression and technical challenges. When finally completed, the approaching threat of another war gave the unveiling ceremony poignant urgency.
Image: Illustrative image only.
The Royal Unveiling
King George VI unveiled the National War Memorial on May 21, 1939—just months before World War II would begin, creating a new generation of Canadian war dead. The ceremony attracted tens of thousands who gathered to honour those lost in the Great War.
The King’s presence underscored the Commonwealth connections that shaped Canada’s military commitments. For many veterans present, the ceremony provided long-awaited recognition of their service and their fallen comrades.
Rededications
The memorial’s mandate has expanded over decades:
- 1982: Rededicated to include World War II and the Korean War
- 2014: Rededicated again to honour Canadians who served in all conflicts, including the Afghanistan mission
These rededications reflect Canada’s ongoing military commitments and the nation’s desire to honour all who serve, regardless of when or where they fought.
The Monument’s Design
”The Response”
Vernon March’s design tells a story through bronze figures passing through a granite arch:
- Twenty-two bronze figures represent different military branches and support roles
- The arch symbolizes the passage from civilian life to military service and from life to death
- Crowning figures represent Peace and Freedom, the ideals for which Canadians fought
- The base provides the foundation on which sacrifice is built
The composition shows movement—figures straining forward, horses pulling artillery, nurses supporting the wounded. This dynamism distinguishes it from static memorial designs.
Symbolism
Every element carries meaning:
- Artillery, infantry, cavalry, and navy represented among the figures
- Support roles including nursing sisters and logistics
- Horses drawing gun carriages—critical in World War I
- The arch suggesting both triumph and loss
- Peace and Freedom as the goals of sacrifice
The memorial’s complexity invites contemplation. Each viewing reveals new details and perspectives.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
A Soldier Comes Home
In 2000, the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from World War I were brought home from a French battlefield and interred at the base of the National War Memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier added a human dimension to the monument.
The Unknown Soldier represents all Canadians who died in service and whose remains were never identified. For families who never received their loved ones’ bodies, the tomb provides a place to mourn and remember.
The Ceremony
The ceremony interring the Unknown Soldier was deeply moving:
- The remains arrived from Vimy Ridge, site of Canada’s most celebrated World War I battle
- Veterans of multiple wars participated
- Thousands of Canadians lined Ottawa streets
- The soldier was buried with full military honours
- Governor General Adrienne Clarkson spoke to the nation
The addition of the tomb transformed the memorial from a sculptural tribute to a grave—a place of pilgrimage where Canadians connect directly with the cost of war.
Image: Illustrative image only.
Remembrance Day
The National Ceremony
Each November 11, the National War Memorial hosts Canada’s most important Remembrance Day ceremony. The event is broadcast nationally and watched by millions:
- Veterans and serving members parade to the memorial
- The Governor General, Prime Minister, and dignitaries attend
- Two minutes of silence mark the 11th hour
- Wreaths are laid at the tomb
- The Silver Cross Mother represents all who lost children to war
- Thousands of Canadians lay poppies on the tomb
The ceremony’s ritual elements—the Last Post, the silence, the laying of wreaths—connect contemporary Canadians to generations who served before them.
The Sentinels
From April to November, ceremonial sentinels stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces maintain vigil in historical uniforms, symbolizing ongoing respect for the fallen.
The sentinel program began after a 2006 incident when individuals behaved disrespectfully at the tomb. The constant guard presence ensures appropriate behaviour and provides a living connection between the military and the memorial.
Tragedy and Resilience
October 22, 2014
The National War Memorial was the site of a terrorist attack on October 22, 2014. Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a sentinel standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was shot and killed by an attacker who then entered the nearby Centre Block.
The attack shocked Canada and highlighted the memorial’s significance. Corporal Cirillo was killed while honoring the fallen—adding his name to those who died in service to Canada.
In the aftermath, Canadians responded with resilience. The memorial became a site of mourning and defiance, covered in flowers and messages of support. The attack strengthened rather than diminished the memorial’s importance.
Visiting the Memorial
Practical Information
Location: Confederation Square, between Parliament Hill and the Château Laurier
Access: The memorial is on public land, accessible 24/7
Nearby: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, Château Laurier
Transit: Steps from Parliament LRT station
Etiquette
The National War Memorial is a place of remembrance. Appropriate behaviour includes:
- Respectful silence near the tomb
- Appropriate dress and demeanor
- Photography is permitted but should be done respectfully
- Teaching children about the memorial’s significance
- Observing ceremonies without disruption
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit the National War Memorial at any time? A: Yes. The memorial is on public land and accessible around the clock. The sentinel program operates April through November during daytime hours.
Q: What happens on Remembrance Day? A: The national ceremony begins at 11 AM on November 11. Arrive early for viewing positions. After the ceremony, the public may lay poppies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Q: Who is buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? A: An unidentified Canadian soldier from World War I, whose remains were brought from Vimy Ridge in 2000. The soldier represents all Canadian war dead whose remains were never identified.
Q: Is there a museum about Canadian military history in Ottawa? A: Yes. The Canadian War Museum on LeBreton Flats offers comprehensive coverage of Canadian military history. It complements a visit to the National War Memorial.
Q: Can I leave flowers or poppies at the memorial? A: Items may be left at the tomb. Poppies are particularly appropriate. Staff manage items left at the memorial with respect.
Final Thoughts
The National War Memorial stands as more than bronze and granite—it is a sacred space where Canadians connect with their military history and honour those who served. From the dynamic sculpture group representing Canada’s response to war, to the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the memorial invites reflection on sacrifice and service.
Every November, and every day, the memorial reminds us of the cost of freedom and the debt we owe to those who paid it. In a nation often uncertain of its identity, the National War Memorial provides common ground—a place where all Canadians can honour shared sacrifice and shared values.
Lest we forget.
For more Ottawa history, visit Ottawa History or explore Ottawa Events.
