Remembrance Day

 Today is Remembrance Day, the date of the end of the First World War and a traditional date to commemorate the fallen of wars, as well as pay homage to the veterans of those wars. In Ottawa, the National War Memorial occupies the heart of Confederation Square, surrounded by landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, the government conference centre, and the National Arts Centre. It was first dedicated in the months before the Second World War to commemorate the fallen of the Great War, and has been since rededicated to honour those of the Second World War, Korean War, South African War, Afghan War, and those who have served in the Canadian military. I took these first two shots early in October. 

Members of the military services take turns standing guard a good part of the year at the base of the Memorial, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occupies the most sacred ground in the country. This soldier fell at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War.

Taken a few days later, looking towards the grounds of the Memorial. Today the national services will be held here.

And a few days later on a more gloomy day I took these.

My last shot, taken several days later, shows the progression of leaves changing and falling.