Canal Locks

 Regiments formed in Ottawa to become part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in World War One. 

Women enlisted to do their part.

This display case features artifacts of that war.

This photograph taken on Armistice Day would have been taken from the grounds of Parliament Hill, close to the east corner.

Two more wider angles from within the top floor of the museum. A delightful place to visit, with a few ghosts of its own.

I departed, taking in a view across the Canal. Colonel By's statue is up there in the park on top of the cliff.

Boats were moving through locks.

On the east side of the locks, nestled at the base of the cliff, is a Celtic cross. This commemorates those who died during the building of the Canal. Each Colonel By Day, a memorial service is held here.

Upheavals

 These are items from the Centre Block Fire of February 3rd, 1916, in which the building was destroyed.

The government was determined to rebuild.

There are several displays here on the South African War, which bridged the 19th and 20th centuries. Canadian soldiers went overseas to join British colleagues in fighting the breakaway Boer republics in a guerrilla war often overlooked in history.

A video display features a series of photos of that war.

A few years later, Ottawa citizens would find themselves involved in the Great War.

At The National War Memorial

Every once in awhile I'll photograph the National War Memorial, at the heart of Confederation Square downtown. It is one of my favourite photo subjects.

On the south end of the property, banners are displayed on the history of the place. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which dates to 2000, has become in many ways the most sacred place in the country.

From April into November during the day, servicemen and women from units across each of the military branches can be found on the grounds as an honour guard. Two of them will do hour long shifts twice a day before being relieved by the next set, taking their breaks in a space beneath the nearby Plaza Bridge.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is at the base of the Memorial.

The Memorial was designed by Vernon March as a memorial after World War One. It was dedicated in the months before World War Two. It has since been rededicated to include that war, the Korean War, the South African War, the Afghan War, and those who have died in military service to the country. It features 22 service members moving through an arch, with two allegorical figures at the top of the arch. It has the tone of commemoration and mourning, entirely appropriate for a war memorial.

Sanctuary

 Knox Presbyterian Church is downtown, and it is a regular feature for Doors Open. It was founded in 1844. The current church dates to 1932, but looks older. It blends Gothic and Norman influences in its architecture.

In a side room off the entrance hall, historical items of the church were found.

A peek out into the garden. The sanctuary is to the left, and one of the staircases ascending to the balcony is at right.

The sanctuary has these graceful arched columns. Most of the windows are translucent.

A look to the front of the church, and the main altar, with its beautiful stained glass.

Plaques are found at one corner before the altar.

They commemorate the congregation members who fought and died in both World Wars.

Colours of the 207th Battalion are here, placed here after the First World War.

The baptismal font and the pulpit are close by.

Across the way, another pulpit and a grand piano.