Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Canada) | Ottawa, Canada

Introduction to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Located before the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (French: Tombe du Soldat Inconnu) stands as a powerful tribute to Canadian service members. This solemn monument holds the remains of an unidentified soldier who died in France during World War I, selected from a Commonwealth War Grave near the historic site of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

A Glance at Its Origins

In 2000, the Royal Canadian Legion initiated a project to create a tomb dedicated to Canada's war dead, culminating this project as part of the Canada Millennium Partnership Program. Grave 7 from the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, located near Vimy, was chosen to honor one of the 1,603 unknown soldiers. The remains were exhumed on May 16, 2000, and flown to Ottawa, escorted by a guard of honor, veterans, and youth representatives.

The Tomb: Design and Symbolism

The Tomb itself is a significant example of Canadian architecture, built from Caledonia granite sourced from Quebec, measuring approximately 3.5 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. Its design features bronze relief sculptures showcasing a medieval sword, a First World War helmet, and laurel branches, symbolizing both victory and death. Canadian artist Mary-Ann Liu crafted its prominent bronze elements, which connect themes to the Vimy Memorial.

"The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as an enduring symbol of the bravery of our fallen soldiers."

Honoring Fallen Heroes

The Tomb honors approximately 116,000 Canadians who lost their lives in combat and serves as a memorial for all members of the Canadian Armed Forces across various conflicts. Every November 11th, during Remembrance Day, the site attracts thousands who lay poppies, flowers, and letters at the tomb, reflecting a tradition of reverence and respect.

Presence of Sentries

Since 2007, members of the Ceremonial Guard have stood sentry at the tomb from April to November, creating a continuous display of honor and respect. These sentries, dressed in full uniform, are a reminder of the commitment to remember those who served. Their presence has become integral to commemorative events held at the National War Memorial).

• Sentries rotate duty, standing every hour.
• Daily ceremonial marches are performed.
• Interactions with the public are minimal; focus remains on solemn guard duty.

Significant Incidents

The Tomb has faced challenges in its journey as a memorial. In 2006, a vandalism incident prompted the Royal Canadian Legion to advocate for a permanent guard to protect it. Tragically, during a shootout in 2014 at Parliament Hill, Corporal Nathan Cirillo was killed while on duty at the tomb. Such incidents have consolidated the tomb's importance as a national symbol of sacrifice.

Visit the Tomb

When exploring Canada, a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier should be at the top of your list of historical landmarks to appreciate. It invites travelers to reflect on the bravery of those who served while connecting with Canada's rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion: A Mark of Respect

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier represents a critical part of Canada’s historical sites and cultural identity. As you venture through Ottawa, this monument provides a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for peace and freedom. To discover more about this site and its surrounding tourist attractions, consider taking the "Echoes of Heritage: A Somerset Odyssey" tour, which offers deep insights and heartfelt connections to Ottawa's heritage.

For more information about this tour, click here!