Remembering Canada's Military History — The Known and Unknown Around Beautiful Green Island
Memorial to Canadian Poet John McCrae, who wrote the poem "In Flanders Fields"
Green Island is one of the most beautiful spots in Ottawa. It is home to the former Ottawa City Hall and is surrounded by the Rideau River as it empties into the Ottawa with the falls that gave the river its name. Surprisingly, Green Island is also home to four military memorials which most people don’t know are there. They speak of well known people like John McRae, whose poem we all know. And they speak of forgotten Canadians in a forgotten war with the Mackenzie-Papienau memorial. As well as these four, there are four others just steps off the island, hidden away where you may never have noticed them. They all speak to how Canada, a peaceful nation, was shaped by conflict. They don't brag of the glory of war, but most often are dedicated to remembrance of loss. They speak of our desire that we never forget those who have sacrificed, and our hope that Canada remains a force for peace in the world. This tour will introduce you to these eight memorials. Walking back toward the Chateau Laurier along Sussex, we will pass another four memorials.
As well as a bit of background for each, we'll talk about the artists who created the them and about the society that installed them. We'll also consider how the meanings of these memorials may have changed over time, and what they tell us today that may be different from what people who conceived, created, and installed them may have intended
Veterans and the families of veterans are invited to bring stories of their experiences to share.
