Now We Lie In Flanders Fields

 Today is Remembrance Day in Canada, marking the end of the First World War. It is now a day of commemoration for the dead of war and honouring the veterans who survived those wars. Last year the national service at the War Memorial was scaled down because of Covid. Today there is to be a service with the public allowed to attend as well. 

On the same October day as my recent posts along the Ottawa River, I crossed to the War Memorial to take autumn shots for today. I started from the northwest side, with the memorial glimpsed through the trees.

Moving to the other side of the trees, I took this shot.

This shot, looking east, includes the Government Conference Centre in the background.

We have the back view of the Memorial here. Unveiled by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 during a visit by the couple and meant to commemorate the dead of the Great War, it has since been rededicated to commemorate those of all conflicts Canada has taken part in. Designed by Vernon March, it is titled The Response. Two allegorical figures representing peace and freedom stand on top of the arch. 22 figures of servicemen from each branch of the service during the Great War pass through the arch.

Through November 10th, active servicemen and women from the Canadian Forces stand vigil each day at the base of the Memorial, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier rests. Each hour they are relieved by the next shift to stand at post.

The Unknown Soldier is a Canadian soldier who fell at the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War. His tomb, placed here in 2000, adds to the solemness of the place.

This view is from the east side.

And this shot is taken in detail from the west.

One last shot from here today.