Visiting The National War Memorial

Apologies for the late post- I usually doublecheck my posts in advance, and hadn't actually put this one together.

I paid a visit in recent days to the National War Memorial, which occupies the heart of Confederation Square, and is surrounded by landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Chateau Laurier, the National Arts Centre, and The Chambers. I started taking shots along the east side. The plaque in the foreground pays tribute to Nathan Cirillo, the soldier standing at post before the Memorial who was shot and killed by a madman in 2014. 

The Memorial commemorates the Canadian dead of wars and military service. Originally built and dedicated to remember the dead of the First World War, it has since been rededicated to add those of the Second World War, Korea, the Afghan War, and the South African War, along with military service in general. It is sacred ground, which emphasizes mourning, with soldiers passing through an arch, while allegorical figures are perched overhead.

At its base is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a Canadian soldier who fell at the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The Paths Of Canadian History

Here we have looks at East Block, which is also being worked on in stages, here and there. Sandblasting is noticeable in sections where the stone looks fresher. This portion along the eastern edge of the Hill would still be waiting on that as the project carries on.

A look through the trees towards the Chateau Laurier, which is on the far side of the Rideau Canal.

Gothic architecture dominates the Hill, and I for one love it.

Another statue for a prime minister, Wilfrid Laurier, is found over here.

Nearby, another monument, commemorating the War of 1812, when Canadian militia, First Nations warriors, and British soldiers fought American invaders for three years. This is the most recent monument on the Hill.

The doors of East Block catch my eye.

And I finish with these shots of Centre Block.

 

Architecture And Monuments

 Here along the path we have a good view of the Library of Parliament. In the foreground behind the fence is the statue of John A. Macdonald, the country's first prime minister.

A look out across the river at Gatineau.

Here along the path we also have this old bell, preserved for posterity. This bell was in the original Centre Block, which was destroyed by fire in 1916. 

Plaques in English and French tell its story.

I have dearly missed walking this path with its wonderful views. The National Gallery and Notre Dame can be seen off in the distance.

A detail shot of the Library of Parliament.

We have the first signs of spring on the bushes on the other side of the fence.

Another monument- this to Robert Baldwin and Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine, the co-premiers of the United Canadas, a colonial legislature consisting of what's today Ontario and Quebec, which was in place for a number of years in the first part of the 19th century. Their work towards responsible government paved the path for Canadian Confederation.

A sundial, restored a century ago and on this spot. Parliament Hill was once called Barrack's Hill, and soldiers lived here before Ottawa was selected as the capital. Colonel John By, who led the building of the Rideau Canal, had one erected.

Across the gap, where the Canal itself is, lies Major's Hill Park. A statue of the Colonel himself can be seen there near the cliff's edge.

Multiple signs around the fence go into detail on the ongoing work on the Hill. This one is actually outdated- the West Block was the first section to be rehabilitated, and is now where the House of Commons is sitting. But the process of work is accurate for all of the project.

The slope here is a steep one, with the trees waiting to wake up and leaf out.

Sightings Upon The Pathway

 Continuing where I left off yesterday on the high ground, I took this shot looking across the river towards Gatineau. The rise of the Gatineau Hills can be seen on the horizon, and the Alexandra Bridge crosses the river as well. The Museum of History is on the far shore.

A look back towards Centre Block with its work going on, and East Block beyond that. Pearson and the Queen watch over it all.

I headed down off the high ground to a viewing platform below.

A look to the north, with the pathway running along the top of the Hill. A staircase down to the shore below is, I believe, a complete rebuild, though because of work down at the shoreline at present, the staircase is off limits.

Looking up towards the Queen and the towers of West Block.

The pathway beckoned me on. The structure at right is utilitarian and modern. I'm not sure if it'll be something that will remain after all of the work is done.

A look west from near the stair entrance.

Up here are a series of glass panels mounted onto stone- these make up the Canadian Police and Peace Officers Memorial, honouring those officers who have died in the line of duty.

The last time I was out here, the path was essentially closed off here because of the work. As fate would have it, the path was open all the way around. I close off today with this view of the marvelous Library of Parliament. Linked to the building by a corridor, it is likely being left alone, as it wasn't that many years ago when the Library was undergoing restoration and upgrade work.

Making A Visit To The Hill

 A few days back, I paid a visit to Parliament Hill one afternoon to take some photos. This was two-fold; it's been awhile since I've done so, particularly around the back with the work that's going on here around Centre Block, and as well, I wanted to fill some time before I can really take tulip photos, so I'd thought of ideal spots for taking shots for two or more days worth of posts. I started around West Block, looking west in the direction of the Confederation Block.

Around the grounds are a number of monuments- prime ministers, Fathers of Confederation, and others. Some are accessible during the work, including this one, honouring Robert Borden, who led the country through the First World War.

West Block is where the House of Commons is meeting while the work continues in Centre Block. At the time of my visit, the South Korean foreign minister was in town.

Looking west from two different spots along the path. The Portage Bridge, where I photograph from twice a month, is seen in the distance spanning the Ottawa River.

A look towards the Peace Tower of Centre Block.

The highest ground on the Hill is topped with two monuments. The first is to Queen Victoria.

And the second is for one of our greatest prime ministers, Lester Pearson.