If Ye Break Faith

 "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them." ~ Laurence Binyon

The National War Memorial occupies the heart of Confederation Square, and today will host the national services marking the ending of the First World War, and commemorating those who fought and died in military service. The Memorial was a response to the Great War, dedicated months before the Second World War, and since rededicated to all who have died in military service for the country. It is a beautiful, haunting monument, and particularly striking on a clear fall day.

I went around the perimeter, featuring fall colours with glimpses of the Memorial as I went.

There are military sentries from April into November. Members of each branch of service will be here, rotating for a few days, with a couple of hour long shifts a day before the next pair come up to relieve them.

At the base of the Memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It contains the final remains of a Canadian soldier who died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War One. This memorial is sacred ground.

Autumn Splendour

 My path on this day took me back to the area around Confederation Square, the very heart of the city. Trees were in fall colour mode on the grounds of the National Arts Centre, while Canada geese had lunch in the grass.

I continued on my way. At one side of the NAC, below a wall with changing leaf colours, is a larger than life statue of the great Canadian jazz composer and pianist, Oscar Peterson. His music plays from speakers up on the wall.

I headed down to Confederation Park, where this fountain was on.

The park has a number of monuments, and the oldest and newest stand together.

The newest is for animals in war, characterized by a life sized German shepherd, with three accompanying plaques. Beside it is the oldest- a cenotaph commemorating local veterans of the South African War.

It was a nice day to be out and about.

The largest monument here is at the west end, facing the Lord Elgin Hotel across the street. The National Aboriginal Veterans Monument is dedicated to indigenous warriors from across the country's history. On top of a large stone are four warriors, with a wolf, elk, bison, and bear around them, and an eagle at the top.

Tomorrow we'll wrap up the fall series, going back up the street to the heart of Confederation Square- the National War Memorial, just in time for Remembrance Day.

Autumn Viewpoints

 Carrying on with this visit to Major's Hill Park, I took more shots.

This is a very similar angle to a series I do yearly of Parliament Hill once a month from this park, though the spot I choose for that series is a short walk away.

I took a shot looking towards the National Gallery of Canada. It's been awhile since I've been in there.

Across the way, Notre Dame, the most distinctive church in the city.

One last shot, looking back at where I had come from- Plaza Bridge, with the lockmaster station just below it.

Colours Within The Park

 More today from this fall walkabout.

Entering Major's Hill Park, I found many a tree at peak colours.

Colonel By looked quite distinguished. The flowerbeds around him have been replanted for tulips next May.