Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, War memorial at Confederation Square, Ottawa, Canada
The Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial at Confederation Square featuring a granite sarcophagus adorned with bronze reliefs. The surface displays symbolic elements including a sword, military helmet, maple leaves, and laurel branches that represent service and remembrance.
The tomb holds the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from Vimy Ridge who was brought to Ottawa in 2000 with full military honors. This resting place has become the focal point for national remembrance of all Canadians lost in armed conflicts.
The memorial serves as a gathering place where Canadians pause to honor those who gave their lives in service. You can observe visitors from all backgrounds paying respects in a shared moment of recognition and remembrance.
The memorial stands at the intersection of Elgin and Wellington Streets and is easily accessible on foot from downtown. Uniformed guards perform changing of the guard ceremonies at specific times throughout the year, which visitors can observe.
The original headstone from the soldier's grave in France now rests in a museum where it receives direct sunlight only on November 11 each year. This arrangement links the public memorial with a hidden form of annual recognition.
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