Thursday, January 25, 2018

Memorial Chamber

Going up the Peace Tower ends in a visit to the Memorial Chamber, one of the focal points of Centre Block. Before going in, one has views of Confederation Hall and its distinctive architecture from above.


Outside the main entrance to both the elevator and the Chamber itself, the carvings on the walls caught my eye.


The Chamber itself is contained beyond where you take the elevator. Inside, elaborate carvings and stained glass windows rise up around the visitor. Books of remembrance are contained in cases around the room, with their pages turned on schedule so that each page is visible at least once a year. The books commemorate war dead from both World Wars, the Korean War, and other deaths in military service. This room is sacred space, the very heart of the Centre Block that rose up out of the ashes of the First World War, and deliberately designed as a tribute to those who fell in battle and those who came back. I have more views from here tomorrow.

36 comments:

  1. So moving, William. And, I know it's been said before, but what an elegant city Ottawa is.

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  2. It looks like it was a nice, sunny day.

    Janis
    GDP

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  3. I am impressed by the way you honor the fallen in Canada.

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  4. @Mike: it really is elegant.

    @Janis: it was, so the stained glass really stood out.

    @Tom: very much so.

    @Marie: it is.

    @Jan: it was well done.

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  5. Absolutely awe-inspiring place - I love the detail in your 4th photo.

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  6. Hello, what beautiful details. The carvings are amazing. I love the stained glass window. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!

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  7. Lots to remember and ponder about in this area. It's a very beautiful space.

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  8. There is a lot to see and admire in this building.

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  9. It's an exquisite space William, the vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows glorious! Is this the first time you have been inside?

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  10. @Christine: it certainly is.

    @Francisco: thank you.

    @Eileen: the place was beautifully done.

    @Red: it really is.

    @Sharon: that's true.

    @Grace: no, I've been in before, but it has been awhile since I've last featured it in the blog, probably over a year. I think I'll make a point of visiting at sometime before the place closes up for rehabilitation, so that I can post from this place for Remembrance Day.

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  11. There are so many beautiful places and things to see in Ottawa!

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  12. Beautiful details in this impressive place.

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  13. Sacred. Yes. Thanks for allowing us to accompany you, William

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  14. Names on the wall reminded me of the Vietnam War Memorial that I visited for the first time this past Monday.

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  15. The carvings are wonderful especially that lion.

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  16. Love the views in your previous post and all of the beautiful details in this one!

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  17. @Nancy: and this is definitely one of them.

    @Karl: a lot of thought went into this part of it.

    @Lady Fi: absolutely.

    @Cloudia: you're welcome.

    @Revrunner: I can see that. I haven't seen the Wall, but one day I would like to. I know that it has a profound effect on visitors.

    @RedPat: the lion is quite a guardian.

    @Lois: thank you!

    @Jenn: I'm enjoying showing them.

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  18. Beautifully detailed building. Very nice to see, William.
    Thank you!

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  19. Once again the concept and architect are beyond fabulous.

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  20. It is an attractive place that made me want to whisper.

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  21. I was watching a PBS special on the ancient city of Petra and those first few photos of yours of carvings made me think of it once again, although they are not remotely alike.

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  22. I've enjoyed your series on the Centre Block. What a building!

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  23. gorgeous detail...i love that shot with the red windows!

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  24. i knew i forgot to stop by yesterday. oops!! very cool ... what is a word more spectacular than breathtaking beautiful!! input there. that is the word. use that one. ( ;

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  25. Divine photography of a beautiful place!

    Happy Weekend,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  26. Beautiful! All those detailed beautiful arches are wonderful.

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  27. I'm going backward here, catching up on blog comments. I get them in my email every morning, but camn't comment from email....

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  28. @Bill: you're welcome.

    @Mari: I agree.

    @Jack: that would be understandable.

    @Jennifer: it really is.

    @Catalyst: I can see that.

    @FG: it really is!

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  29. @Tanya: so do I.

    @Beth: thanks!

    @Carol: thank you.

    @Kay: they are indeed.

    @Klara: I certainly think so.

    @Norma: that happens.

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