Canada's Unknown Soldier
 
In May of 2000 a 45-person guard of honour flew to France to bring the Unknown Soldier back to Canada. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission selected an unidentified soldier, 'Known Only to God', from a cemetery in the vicinity of Vimy Ridge, the site of the famous Canadian battle of WWI.
At a ceremony at the Canadian War Memorial on Vimy Ridge the remains were turned over to the Canadian delegation that then returned to Ottawa with the casket. Two days later the casket was placed in the Hall of Honour in the Centre Block. He lay in state there for three days so that Canadians could view the casket and pay their respect.
The Unknown Soldier's remains were then transported from Parliament Hill to the National War Memorial on a horse-drawn gun carriage. The funeral cortege included the Governor General, the Prime Minister, veterans, Canadian forces personnel and members of the RCMP.
From that point on, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier became a focal point of commemoration for all memorial events at the National War Memorial. It is a memorial in Canada for Canadians. The Tomb is a fitting way to honour the sacrifices on which our freedoms were built.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been created to honour the more than 116,000 Canadians who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace and freedom. He represents all Canadians, navy, army, air force, merchant marine, peacekeepers, and so many others who died for their country in all conflicts.
Do You Remember Turkey Fairs?
75 Years Together
That Darned Spaniel
Missionary Soldier
Sorrento
The Schubert Centre
Caring Clowns at Kelowna General Hospital
|
