After the services on Remembrance Day, I headed out to the Canadian War Museum. A flock of Canada geese were on this field between myself and the museum, no doubt on a break from points further north, heading south. As usual, at least one of them had an eye on me.
The Museum moved out to Lebreton Flats, west of the core, back in 2005 after outgrowing its previous quarters. The design evokes an airplane or a bunker, entirely appropriate for its subject matter, and is designed with a couple of pivotal axis points. The one is that large spike protruding out from its roof- it points towards Parliament Hill, and a view from inside gives a glimpse of the Peace Tower.
The other key axis point is inside. The Memorial Chamber contains one artifact. The original gravestone of the soldier who now resides in the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier is here, taken from the Vimy Ridge area where that soldier fell in battle. It is a repository for poppies on Remembrance Day, and the architect precisely designed this room with a skylight so that at eleven AM on Remembrance Day, sun will shine through the skylight and illuminate this tombstone. Of course you have to have a sunny day for that.
A look back takes in the skylight, as well as the reflecting pool at the base of the room.
Someone had attached this to the base of the stone.
This is the corridor leading out of the Chamber.
At present, out in the Museum lobby area, there are a series of panels about D-Day and the Normandy campaign. I have more of this tomorrow.
Interesting post. I really like the mysterious look of the corridor. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteVery somber and sobering. Wish the world could just live in peace...
ReplyDeleteA simple but very appropriate and moving memorial.
ReplyDeleteThat Memorial Chamber is very impressive.
ReplyDeleteHello, it is a lovely warm memorial. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDelete...it sure does look like a giant airplane!
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to remember our fallen servicemen from all branches of the military. Thank goodness we have had peace for so many years. I would be devastated if my sons had to go off to war.
ReplyDelete@Linda: so do I.
ReplyDelete@Susie: if only.
@John: that it is.
@Jan: I agree.
@Eileen: thank you.
@Tom: it does.
@Shammickite: I agree.
It would be very stunning to see that tomb light up right on schedule. Thanks for taking the pictures, even on a cloudy day it's impressive.
ReplyDeleteI like the architecture, and the two points of interest. Those Canada Geese are pretty stern, but ours seem to have left our lake here. Some years they winter over here. Perhaps some of yours will be confused and think this is sunny Florida. Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteInteresting architecture. I'm glad they brought the headstone back to Canada.
ReplyDeleteThe Memorial Chamber is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThat gravestone is so moving.
ReplyDeleteQuite a tumultuous time in our history
ReplyDeleteMB
Interesting creation of atmosphere and reverence. Your photos capture a close sense of the place.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful memorial.
ReplyDeletewhat a kind way to recall those memories. happy weekend. ( ;
ReplyDeleteFascinating photos ~
ReplyDeleteHappy Day to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
A very nice remembrance.
ReplyDelete@DJan: I should try visiting in the morning on a sunny day to see what it's like for myself.
ReplyDelete@Barbara: we won't see them for much longer, until the spring.
@RedPat: I am too. There's been a replacement stone at the original cemetery explaining where it went.
@Marie: it is. Very sobering.
@Sharon: very much so.
@MB: that it is.
@Maywyn: thanks!
@Bill: I think so.
@Beth: thank you.
@Carol: thanks!
@Janey: it is.
The museum looks like a spaceship in the first picture.
ReplyDeleteIt really depends on the angle. I find it looks like a massive bomber plane, but from the far side like a bunker.
DeleteI was there some years ago but don't remember that headstone. Good addition if new.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great museum.
DeleteThe War Museum is an amazing piece of architecture William 💙
ReplyDeleteIt really is.
DeleteWell shared William. Thanks
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteIt's a beautiful memorial.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Definitely.
DeleteWhat an interesting museum:)
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
Delete