Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: A Legion Vision Realized
may 28, 2025
Ottawa, On – The Royal Canadian Legion, during a Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) event in Ottawa, shared the compelling history of how Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier came to fruition. This national memorial, a testament to collaboration, was a Legion vision that became a reality through government and community support.
The commemoration, held on May 28, marked the 25th anniversary of the soldier’s interment at the National War Memorial in ottawa, which occurred in 2000.
A Collaborative Effort
Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Larry Murray, Legion Grand President and former deputy minister of VAC, emphasized the collaborative spirit that brought the tomb into existence. I recall the thoughtful deliberations, the selfless efforts and the superb teamwork by all involved during the planning and preparation phases,
he said, highlighting the dedication of everyone involved.
VAdm (Ret’d) Murray also noted the tomb’s enduring significance, drawing visitors throughout the year and serving as a focal point for reflection during Canada’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony. Attendees often place their lapel Poppies of Remembrance on the tomb, a poignant gesture of respect and remembrance.
From Vision to Reality
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Duane Daly, former Legion Dominion Secretary (now National Executive Director) and the tomb’s project director, along with the late Chuck Murphy, a past Dominion President, played pivotal roles in the project’s success. BGen (Ret’d) daly recounted the initial challenges and the overwhelming support that ultimately led to the tomb’s completion.
By early 2000, the remedial work to modify the foot of the National War Memorial was completed and the tomb itself was crafted using the Legion’s design template based on the altar at Vimy (Canadian National Vimy Memorial, in France).
Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Duane Daly
The soldier lay in state at Parliament before a ceremonial parade, including a Royal Canadian mounted Police mounted horse and a vintage gun carriage, escorted the soldier to the final resting place.
A National Commemoration
Her Excellency Governor General Mary Simon participated in the 25th anniversary event and shared her reflections. She laid a wreath at the site, followed by other dignitaries, including the Honorable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and associate Minister of National Defense, who placed a Poppy at the tomb.
Minister McKnight emphasized the tomb’s significance. As we mark 25 years since canada’s Unknown Soldier was laid to rest at the National War Memorial, I am deeply grateful to all Canadians who have served and sacrificed for peace and freedom. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands as a powerful tribute to those who have served, those who gave their lives, and those who will serve.Today and always, we honor them,
she stated.
The Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson, the Governor General at the time of the original interment, also attended the morning event. Students from Glebe Collegiate Institute shared letters from a soldier whose grave remains unknown, offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. The ceremony also included a Remembrance torch and a fly-past of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter.
BGen (Ret’d) Daly concluded by thanking VAC and reflecting on the tomb’s enduring legacy.This tomb will forever stand as the focus of Remembrance for all those who have gone before us, for all those who serve today, and for all those who may be called upon again in the future,
he said.
Remembering Newfoundland’s Unknown Soldier
A second unknown soldier was recently laid to rest in Newfoundland, another project spearheaded by the Legion with government support. In May 2024, a delegation traveled to France to receive the remains of an unknown First World War soldier from Newfoundland who served at Beaumont-Hamel. On July 1, the soldier was interred at the refurbished Newfoundland National War Memorial, rededicated on its 100th anniversary.
Did You Know?
The design template for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa was based on the altar at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, creating a symbolic link between Canadian sacrifice at home and abroad.
