National War Memorial (Canada)

The National War Memorial in Ottawa is Canada’s principal national monument to the country’s war dead, located in Confederation Square immediately east of Parliament Hill; it was unveiled in 1939. The memorial is a focal point for national commemorations and state events.

The site features a large bronze sculptural grouping mounted on a granite arch that represents members of the Canadian armed services; people come to view the memorial, attend ceremonies, and lay wreaths. The memorial is also the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added to the site in 2000. Activities at the site include formal commemorations and guided remembrance ceremonies during national observances.

Commissioned in the 1930s and executed by sculptor Vernon March and his studio, the memorial was dedicated in 1939 to those who served in the First World War; its commemorative remit has since expanded to recognize Canadians who served in later conflicts. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was interred at the memorial in 2000 to provide a focal point for remembrance of unidentified service members.

The memorial sits in downtown Ottawa within Confederation Square, directly facing the Centre Block of Parliament. It is in the civic heart of the city and is easily reached on foot from Parliament Hill and nearby downtown transit.

• Remembrance Day: Major Remembrance Day ceremonies take place here on 11 November each year, with a national ceremony hosted at the site.
• Viewing point: Best views of the memorial and ceremonies can be had from the steps of Parliament Hill directly across Confederation Square.

What to See #

• Memorial Arch: Central sculptural arch containing a grouping of bronze figures representing Canadian military services, unveiled as part of the original monument in 1939.
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier situated at the base of the memorial, where the remains of an unidentified Canadian service member were interred in 2000.