National War Memorial (Ottawa)

The National War Memorial (French: Monument commémoratif de guerre du Canada), commonly known by the title of its central sculpture The Response, is Canada’s principal monument to military service and sacrifice. Located in Ottawa’s Confederation Square, it was unveiled in 1939 to commemorate the First World War and later rededicated to honour Canadians who served in the Second World War, the Korean War, the war in Afghanistan, and in all other conflicts and peace-support operations. The memorial is the focus of national Remembrance Day ceremonies and year-round commemorations.

At a glance — National War Memorial

Location	Confederation Square, downtown Ottawa, Ontario
Official title of sculpture	The Response
Designer / medium	Designed by sculptor Vernon March (completed by the March family); granite arch with bronze figures
Unveiled	1939 (rededicated in later years to all conflicts)
Central elements	Granite triumphal arch; 20+ bronze service members moving through the arch; allegorical figures of Peace and Freedom above
At its base	Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (installed 2000)
Annual focus	National Remembrance Day ceremony (11 November, 11:00)

Overview

Set at the intersection of Elgin and Wellington streets, facing Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial anchors Confederation Square as a place of remembrance. The central composition—The Response—depicts service members from different arms of service advancing through a granite arch, symbolizing Canada’s mobilization and collective effort. Above the arch stand allegorical figures of Peace and Freedom, signifying the ideals for which Canadians served.

Design and symbolism

Architecture and materials: A high granite arch forms a triumphal gateway. The bronze group shows soldiers, sailors, aircrew, support trades, and nursing sisters moving forward with momentum—an image of a nation in motion.
Allegory: The winged figures at the summit carry laurel and torch, representing peace secured through freedom, and the duty to remember.
Inscriptions: Dates and inscriptions on the plinth and steps mark conflicts for which the memorial stands, reflecting successive rededications.

History

Commission and creation: Following an international competition in the 1920s, British-Canadian sculptor Vernon March won the commission. After his death, members of the March family completed the work to his design.
Unveiling (1939): The memorial was unveiled in the presence of the Crown and Canadian officials shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War.
Rededications: Initially commemorating the First World War, the memorial was later officially rededicated to include the Second World War and the Korean War, and subsequently to honour service in all conflicts and peace-support operations, including Afghanistan.
Conservation and plaza works: Confederation Square has been adapted over time for accessibility, security, and ceremonial functions, while preserving the memorial’s sightlines and setting.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Installed at the base of the memorial in 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier of the First World War, repatriated from a Commonwealth cemetery in France. The tomb’s granite sarcophagus bears a bronze relief, with a sword and helmet resting on a Canadian maple-leaf motif. The tomb is a focal point for personal acts of remembrance; visitors often place poppies on the stone on 11 November.

Ceremonies and programs

Remembrance Day (11 November): The national ceremony features the two-minute silence at 11:00, Last Post, wreath-laying by representatives of the Crown, government, veterans and families, and a march-past.
National Sentry Program: From spring to fall, uniformed sentries from the Canadian Armed Forces stand watch at the memorial, symbolizing honour and vigilance.
Year-round commemorations: Veterans, families, schools, and community groups hold ceremonies and lay wreaths throughout the year, including anniversaries of major battles and operations.

Location and access

The memorial sits within Ottawa’s Confederation Square, a short walk from the Parliament Buildings, the ByWard Market, and national cultural institutions. The area is accessible by transit and on foot, with street closures in place during major ceremonies.

Respect and security

The site is a place of solemn remembrance. Visitors are encouraged to behave respectfully, particularly around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Security and ceremonial protocols are in effect during official events.

External links (official)

Veterans Affairs Canada — National War Memorial: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/national-war-memorial
Canadian Heritage — Ceremonial protocols & half-masting: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-masting-rules.html