11 Nov 2011 No Comments
The Memorial Chamber…..
The Parliament buildings are such a familiar site to all Canadians but it’s just not the same as actually standing in front of these amazing Gothic stuctures. We found ourselves feeling very patriotic on our visit to our nation’s capitol….
- The Peace Tower, Canada’s Parliament buildings in Ottawa
Confederation Hall
The PeaceTower was constructed by a nation grateful for peace and commemorates Canada’s contributions to World War I. An enclosed observation deck below the clock offers a view in all directions of the National Capital Region.
The Library of Parliament on the left and the view across the river of Quebec
Within the Tower, is a quiet and sacred space, lesser known since it is experienced from within rather than seen from a far. The Memorial Chamber is dedicated to the memory of Canadians who have died in military service and testifies that the struggle for peace comes at the cost of human life.
The Memorial Chamber was designed out of a response to the profound devastation wrought by the First World War. This monumental event created the need for a national memorial – a place of reflection and solace to remember the sacrifice of the many Canadians that fell in Europe between 1914 and 1918. Since, this memorial has grown to include the names of all Canadians who have died in military service in past and present conflicts. Each Canadian soldier that has lost their lives in military service to their country is commemorated in one of the seven books housed in the Memorial Chamber.
The Altar of Remembrance
Light filters through stained-glass depictions of men and women rallying to the call to arms. In the most prominent window, the Assembly of Remembrance, the figures of saints and warriors stand guard over the names of those commemorated in the Chamber.
It was a very touching experience to visit this beautiful and peaceful place and to think of all those Canadian soldiers that lost their life for our freedom and quality of life that we are privilaged to enjoy in Canada every day…..
Lest We Forget…..
