Triangular in shape, Ottawa’s Confederation Square is considered the second most important ceremonial center in the capital (after Parliament Hill). At its center is Canada’s National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Originally, this area had been named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s seventh child, Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, who served as Canada’s tenth Governor General. By 1910, two bridges that had spanned the Rideau Canal we’re replaced by a single structure (none known as Plaza Bridge) under which rail traffic passed from the newly created Union Station. This restructuring allowed Prime Minister King to commission a design for a Square which would include a war memorial. The old central post office (built in 1886) once stood on this site. When we visited this Square, we were fortunate to witness the “Changing of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier. Led by a bag piper, this was a unique experience.
Confederation Square’s National War Memorial...
...including the Tomb of the Unkown.
We persuaded one of the security guards to take our picture (he was quite nice about it..even answering our numerous questions about the Memorial).
With bagpipes playing, the changing of the guards happened while we were there.
It was impressive!
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