ottawa

19 articles

Oct22

2014What are the tragic events that occurred in Canada in October 2014?

In October 2014, Canada was shaken by two separate attacks that claimed the lives of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, and Corporal Nathan Cirillo in Ottawa. These acts of violence marked a somber moment in Canadian history, as both soldiers were targeted while serving on home soil, the latter at the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands gathered at the National War Memorial in Ottawa for an anniversary ceremony, with national leaders and the families of the fallen in attendance. A unique tribute to Corporal Cirillo was added to the site: a commemorative plaque unveiled in a private ceremony, ensuring his memory endures.

Sep13

2014What are 'Flags of Remembrance'?

Flags of Remembrance is a national tribute launched in 2014 by Al Cameron and Veterans Voices of Canada to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Military Police, and First Responders. Each fall, 128 Canadian flags line the roads in communities such as Sylvan Lake, Dunnville, and Charlottetown, with every flag representing one thousand Canadian war dead or missing in action from the South African War to today, as well as fallen RCMP officers. Unique plaques beneath each flag individually recognize veterans, both past and present, and serve as personal tributes from families and friends. Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2025, this powerful display not only preserves Canada’s military heritage but also supports ongoing efforts to document veterans’ stories for future generations.

Jul12

2014What memorial bridge erected in Canada's capital was named in honour of the heroes of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, France?

The Vimy Memorial Bridge in Ottawa stands as a striking tribute to the Canadian soldiers who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. Linking the communities of Barrhaven and Riverside South over the Rideau River, this impressive steel-reinforced truss arch bridge officially opened on July 12, 2014, after a lengthy construction process costing $48 million. Its renaming, endorsed by the Royal Canadian Legion and city officials in November 2014, was timed to coincide with the centennial of the First World War, connecting local heritage to a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Notably, the bridge not only facilitates transport but also features dedicated lanes for buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and a commemorative plaque that reminds visitors of the 3,598 Canadians who lost their lives at Vimy Ridge.

Feb6

2014How important was the use of "troop trains" during times of war and peace?

Troop trains transformed military logistics in both Canada and the United States, becoming vital during events such as the 1861–1865 U.S. Civil War and the 1885 Northwest Rebellion in Canada. By enabling rapid deployment of thousands of soldiers and supplies across vast distances, railways often determined the outcome of key conflicts. In a remarkable episode, the Ottawa Company of Sharpshooters endured a grueling nine-day train journey on the newly built Canadian Pacific Railway to fight in the Northwest, a trip that would take just hours today. The enduring legacy of these journeys is still remembered, as seen in Ottawa’s Confederation Park, where a 2014 ice sculpture commemorates the poignant departures of World War I soldiers from Valcartier.

Aug15

2009What is the only known memorial that includes the specific name of an animal alongside names of the fallen and those who have served in a battle?

On the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa, Ontario, stands the Defence of Hong Kong memorial wall—an enduring tribute to the Canadians who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong during the Second World War. Unique among war memorials worldwide, it lists not only the names of all fallen and surviving members of 'C' Force, but also that of their beloved Newfoundland dog, Gander, who served bravely alongside them as their mascot. Gander's name appears in granite at the insistence of surviving veterans, commemorating his heroism during the fierce 18-day battle in December 1941. His actions were so extraordinary that he became the first animal in 50 years to receive the Dickin Medal, often called the animals' Victoria Cross.

May17

2006Who was the first female Canadian soldier to be killed in combat?

Captain Nichola K.S. Goddard, M.S.M., holds a distinguished place in Canadian military history as the first female soldier killed in combat, and the first army officer since the Korean War to direct artillery fire against the enemy. Her death occurred on May 17, 2006, during a fierce firefight with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, marking a pivotal moment for women in Canada’s armed forces. Goddard’s final resting place is the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa, where her legacy continues to inspire and remind the nation of her service and sacrifice.

May2

2006What is R.E.D. Friday?

R.E.D. Friday, which stands for Remember Everyone Deployed, began in the United States around 2003 as a grassroots movement encouraging people to wear red on Fridays to honor deployed troops. The movement found new energy in Canada in May 2006, when Lisa Miller and Karen Boire—two military wives from Petawawa, Ontario—brought it to national attention by organizing local and national rallies. Their efforts culminated in a memorable Red Friday Rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in September 2006, sparking a Canada-wide tradition that endures to this day. On Friday, 2 May 2025, Canadians mark the 19th anniversary of R.E.D. Friday, continuing to unite communities in visible support of military members and their families.

May28

2000When was the Canadian Unknown Soldier entombed at the National War Memorial, Ottawa?

Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the foot of the National War Memorial in Ottawa, stands as a profound symbol of national remembrance. The unidentified soldier was repatriated from the Cabaret Rouge British War Cemetery near Vimy Ridge, a site deeply significant to Canada’s military heritage. Unveiled on May 28, 2000, the sarcophagus—designed by sculptor Mary-Ann Liu—was modeled after the altar of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. This year, 2025, marks the 25th anniversary of this moving tribute to the sacrifices and unity of generations of Canadians.

Dec7

1992What is the largest wreath-laying program in America and Canada?

Wreaths Across America, the largest wreath-laying program in the United States, was founded in 1992 by Morril Worcester of Harrington, Maine, after he placed 5,000 surplus wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. This heartfelt gesture to honor veterans has grown into an annual event involving over two million volunteers and the placement of more than 1.5 million wreaths at 2,500 locations across the U.S., at sea, and abroad. Inspired by this movement, Wreaths Across Canada was established in 2007, leading to ceremonies at military cemeteries nationwide, including the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa where more than 2,800 wreaths are laid each December. The dual programs unite communities on both sides of the border, with Wreaths Across America and Wreaths Across Canada marking their 34th and 15th anniversaries in December 2025.

Nov9

1989Where in Canada are pieces of the Berlin Wall?

Pieces of the historic Berlin Wall, which once separated East and West Berlin from 1961 until its fall in 1989, can be found at six locations across Canada, serving as powerful reminders of the country’s divided past and the widespread desire for freedom. These concrete segments, distributed to institutions and cities worldwide after the Wall’s dramatic demolition in 1989-1991, now stand as memorials at places like the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Montréal's Centre de Commerce Mondial, and Nova Scotia’s Lunenburg foundry. One particularly notable section arrived in Lunenburg thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Governor J. James Kinley, who secured the artifact as a testament to the town’s German heritage after its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1995. Today, more than 240 fragments of the Wall endure in over 140 countries, providing tangible links to a defining moment in 20th-century history.

Feb15

1965When do Canadians observe the National Flag of Canada Day?

Canadians observe National Flag of Canada Day every year on February 15th, marking the date in 1965 when the Maple Leaf Flag was first raised and the Canadian Red Ensign was officially retired. This day not only commemorates the adoption of a now-iconic national symbol but also highlights Canada's commitment to unity and remembrance, with ceremonies held from Charlottetown to Ottawa and beyond. One particularly poignant celebration occurs at the war memorial in Chester, Nova Scotia, where the Canadian flag flies beside a statue of a Nova Scotia Highlander sculpted by J. Massey Rhind and unveiled in 1922. In 2026, the country will mark both the 61st anniversary of the first flag raising and the 30th anniversary of National Flag of Canada Day, underscoring the enduring significance of the Maple Leaf in Canadian identity and memory.

May5

1945What is connection between Canada’s capital, tulips, and the Liberation of the Netherlands?

In Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Tulip Festival transforms the city each spring into a vibrant sea of flowers, honouring a unique bond between Canada and the Netherlands. This annual celebration marks both the critical role Canadian troops played in the 1945 liberation of the Netherlands and the extraordinary gesture of gratitude from the Dutch royal family, who sent tens of thousands of tulips as thanks for sanctuary during World War II. Today, more than 35,000 tulips brighten Beechwood Cemetery’s botanical gardens alone, while visitors and photographers from around the world gather to capture their beauty and reflect on sacrifices made decades ago. In 2025, the 73rd festival will also commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Netherlands’ liberation, keeping the legacy of friendship and peace blooming for new generations.

Apr21

1926Who is the longest-serving monarch in British history?

Queen Elizabeth II, born in London on 21 April 1926, became the longest-serving monarch in British history, surpassing the reign of Queen Victoria on 9 September 2015. Her extraordinary tenure was marked by countless milestones, including her Sapphire Jubilee in 2017 after 65 years on the throne. A striking testament to her legacy stands on Parliament Hill in Ottawa: a larger-than-life bronze equestrian monument unveiled on 1 July 1992, crafted by Jack Harman and featuring the Queen on Centenial, a horse gifted by Canada. Remarkably, this is the world’s first equestrian statue of Her Majesty, and the only monument on Parliament Hill that was not erected posthumously.

May28

1925Who was Canada's Artillery Commander in the Great War?

Major-General Sir Edward Morrison, Canada's Artillery Commander during the Great War, played a pivotal role in some of the Canadian Corps' greatest victories on the Western Front, including Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Despite his extraordinary leadership and the corps' unmatched record, Morrison remained largely forgotten for a century until historian Susan Raby-Dunne uncovered his remarkable story and connection to John McCrae, author of “In Flanders Fields.” In 2017, Morrison’s previously vanished grave marker at Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery was restored and formally rededicated, bringing overdue recognition to a commander whose strategic direction led to sixty percent of the war’s total casualties being inflicted by Canadian guns. As we mark the 100th anniversary of his death in 2025, Morrison’s legacy now stands as a testament to the courage, skill, and sacrifice of Canada’s artillery and the men he led.

Jun25

1901What is the Musical Ride of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police?

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride assembles in Ottawa, Ontario, where 32 skilled riders and their horses perform a spectacular display of precision, teamwork, and tradition. Originating in 1901, the Musical Ride is both a treasured Canadian heritage and a fundraising tour that delights audiences in up to 50 communities every year from May to October. In 2026, the celebrated troupe will mark the 153rd anniversary of the RCMP with special performances in British Columbia, Ontario, and the Yukon—coinciding with 126 years since the Musical Ride’s inception.

Feb22

1890Who was the first hockey player to win the Stanley Cup four years in a row?

Edward George "Eddie" Gerard, born in Ottawa, Ontario, was the first hockey player to win the Stanley Cup in four consecutive years, a feat that remains unique in NHL history. Celebrated as both a gentleman on the ice and a formidable athlete, Gerard’s contributions to the Ottawa Senators and his brief but crucial role with the Toronto St. Patricks between 1920 and 1923 secured his place among hockey’s elite. Remarkably, his four-peat was achieved not just with his home team, but thanks to a rare loan to Toronto as an injury replacement in 1922. On the 136th anniversary of his birth, Gerard is still remembered as an inspiration to teammates and as one of the founding inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Apr7

1868What was Canada’s first state funeral?

Canada’s first state funeral took place in Ottawa following the assassination of the Honourable Thomas D’Arcy McGee on April 7, 1868. His death resonated deeply across the young nation, as McGee had been a central figure in promoting Canadian Confederation, religious freedom, and minority rights. The funeral procession in Montréal drew an astonishing 10,000 marchers and between 60,000 to 100,000 spectators—a display of national unity and public mourning unprecedented in Canadian history. Remarkably, 23 military units participated in the civilian’s funeral, underscoring the profound impact McGee had on shaping Canada’s early identity.

Jun24

1831What is St. John's Day?

St. John's Day, celebrated annually on 24 June, commemorates the legacy of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, whose origins trace back to a hospice for pilgrims in 11th-century Jerusalem. Recognized globally, this feast day holds special meaning for St. John Ambulance, whose Canadian branch has provided lifesaving first aid training and community support for over 130 years. Each year, St. John Canada trains approximately 550,000 people and contributes over one million volunteer hours, making it the Order’s second largest establishment after England. The day is marked by solemn ceremonies at Ottawa’s National War Memorial, honouring the service of volunteers past and present, and culminates in a National Investiture Ceremony in the Senate of Canada.

Jul15

1818What is the oldest community within the current City of Ottawa, Ontario?

Richmond Village, located in the southwest corner of Ottawa, is the city’s oldest community and traces its origins to a military settlement established in 1818. Founded by veterans of the 99th Regiment under the direction of British officials, Richmond was designed as a stronghold in the wake of the War of 1812 and named after the Duke of Richmond. A unique landmark commemorating its military roots, a heritage plaque was installed in 1962—one of nearly 1,300 Ontario Heritage Trust markers across the province. In 2018, the village celebrated its 200th anniversary with a vibrant mural depicting key figures, the Jock River, and its proud history, bringing Richmond’s story vividly to life for new generations.