National War Memorial
Confederation Square
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Leading the way are the infantrymen, the mainstay of the army. They are followed by a pilot in full flying kit and an air mechanic. A cavalryman emerges from the arch, and at his side is a mounted artilleryman. A sailor marches to the pilot's left. Two riflemen press through the arch, and behind them are the men and women of the support services, including a nursing sister.
The National War Memorial, unveiled in May 1939, was originally designed to commemorate the tremendous response of Canadians in World War I. Later, it would come to symbolize the sacrifice of all Canadians who served Canada in time of war.
The competition to choose a design for a national commemorative war monument was launched in 1925. The next year, British artist Vernon March's model, “The Great Response of Canada,” was chosen. Vernon March's seven siblings completed the sculpture after his untimely death in 1930.
What do Canada’s soldiers mean to you?
With content from Veterans Affairs Canada.
