KINGSTON, ONT. — Dignitaries, city representatives and members of the National Wall of Remembrance Association (NWORA) gathered recently to commemorate the new National Memorial to the Fallen in Macdonald Park.
The monument is a partnership between NWORA and the City of Kingston and is dedicated to honouring the more than 120,000 Canadian veterans who have lost their lives during military conflicts.
Planning and fundraising for the monument has been ongoing for 15 years, a release reads. “This memorial, situated in the historic city of Kingston, is a place where memories become personal. Families may reflect. Veterans may honour their comrades. Children may learn. Canadians may pay their respects,” said retired General Walt Natynczyk, former chief of defence staff and former deputy minister of Veterans Affairs, who was the guest of honour for the ceremony and patron of NWORA. “This is a space for the living, shaped by the lives of the fallen. And here, against the backdrop of Lake Ontario and beside the watchful walls of the Murney Tower, we make a national promise: that memory will not fade with time. That sacrifice will not be forgotten. That service will be honoured — every day of the year.”
The memorial includes four granite pillars engraved with images referencing Canada’s contributions during conflicts, including pre-First World War, First World War, Second World War to the present day.
The four pillars represent the cardinal directions — north, east, south and west. From above they form the likeness of a compass. The four points symbolize the global impact of Canada’s military service and Canada’s fallen soldiers around the world, the release notes.
“As a city with deep military roots, Kingston is proud to be the home of this national memorial,” added Mayor Bryan Paterson. “It’s a place that honours the memory of every Canadian who has fallen in service, and reflects our enduring gratitude for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.”
The physical monument is also connected to a digital memorial at CanadianFallen.ca, which presents further stories, biographies and photos of Fallen soldiers.
