Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
An
unknown Canadian soldier, buried in a grave near Vimy, France for more
than 80 years, has been brought to Canada. His remains have been entombed
near the National War Memorial as a symbol of thousands of Canadians
lost in wars of the 20th century.
The memorial service, with full military honours, was one of the most
symbolically important state ceremonies in Canada since the end of
the Second World War, 55 years ago. Hundreds of veterans, along with
Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and a host
of military and civil dignitaries attended the ceremony which was televised
nationally.
"The unknown soldier will symbolize the sacrifices of all Canadians
in the restoration of peace: past, present and future," said Dr.
Serge Bernier, Director of History and Heritage. "He could symbolize
soldiers who died in the First World War, women working in arms factories
during the Second World War, soldiers on peace support operations today,
or the future actions of any Canadian who helps restore peace in the
world."
The Unknown Soldier will represent the 27,500 Canadian service people
who have no known grave. During the 20th century, more than two million
Canadians served in uniform. Over 116,000 Canadian lost their lives
during four wars and dozens of peacekeeping missions. During the Second
World War alone, some 17,000 airmen were lost - about one in six among
flying personnel.
The idea of using an unidentified body as a symbol of all war dead
was the brainchild of a British chaplain in the First World War. On
Remembrance Day 1920, an unknown soldier was buried in Westminster
Abbey beneath a plaque that included the poignant line: ``They buried
him among the kings because he had done good before God and toward
his house.''
Other countries have followed suit. Unknown Americans lie in Arlington
National Cemetery in Washington. A nameless French soldier is buried
beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Royal Canadian Legion was
the driving force behind bringing the Unknown Soldier to Canada.
On May 25th, the Unknown Soldier arrived at CFB Uplands. A hearse
transported the remains to the downtown Cartier Square Drill Hall,
where they were transferred to a motorized gun carriage for the trip
to Parliament Hill. After the body was placed in the Centre Block's
Hall of Honour, the Canadian Force's Chaplain General, Brig.-Gen. Farwell
said a short prayer, then invited Madame Clarkson to pay tribute to
the Unknown Soldier on behalf of the people of Canada.
A vigil lasting three days was held over the soldier's remains with
sentries from the RCMP and the Canadian Forces standing with their
heads bowed over their reversed rifles.
On Sunday, May 28th, BGen Farwell led the procession of the Unknown
Soldier from the Hall of Honour through the Peace Tower before the
remains were placed on a 19th- century gun carriage provided by the
RCMP. To the sound of a 21-gun salute - a single round being fired
every 60 seconds - the funeral procession left Parliament Hill to the
National War Memorial. As the remains of the Unknown Soldier were lowered
into the sacrophagus, representatives from the army fired three rifle
volleys which symbolized the army's farewell to a fallen comrade. As
the sacrophagus was being covered, four CF-18s from 3 Wing Bagotville
conducted a fly-past in the "missing man" formation - the
traditional air force farewell. More
437 Squadron carries home Canada's
Unknown Soldier
By Lt Paul Doucette
Asst. Wing Public Affairs Officer
Crew members from 437 Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton recently had the
honour of bringing home Canada's Unknown Soldier aboard one of Trenton's
CC-150 Polaris (Airbus A-310).
The squadron had the distinct responsibility of airlifting the Unknown
Soldier from Lille, France to Ottawa along with accompanying Canadian
dignitaries, veterans and other members of the Canadian Forces.
This special return flight was especially noteworthy for 8 Wing and
Canada's air force as the flight represented the distinct role the
air component had in bringing the Unknown Soldier home.
Capt. Micheal Cole, the first officer aboard the flight, noted that
although the crewmembers had their specific duties similar to any other
flight, there was a feeling that they had a special responsibility.
"Even though I can't speak for the rest of the crew about how
they felt, it was obvious that everyone was working that much harder
to ensure a smooth flight," Cole said. "When we finished
the trip, we knew that we did our job well and everyone on board seemed
happy."
One of the crew's loadmasters, Sgt John Goselin, expressed his own
impressions of the flight and acknowledged those who fought for Canada. "During
the trip I had the chance to meet some of the Canadian veterans, including
one who fought in World War I," he recalled. "I have an interest
in our past wars and to hear the stories from those who were there
is always a thrill."
After 437 Squadron arrived in Ottawa with the Unknown Soldier, the
remains were brought first to the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill
to lie in state before being ceremoniously laid to rest at the National
War Memorial on May 28.
There were also 50 personnel from 8 Wing representing Canada's air
force at the May 28 funeral ceremony.
