Beechwood Cemetery honours military members back to 1812

In the annals of Canadian history there are thousands of stories that chronicle the brave sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces dating back long before Confederation. Many of these men and women made the ultimate sacrifice defending the principles of freedom so cherished by generations of Canadians. 

Together, many of these genuine Canadian heroes are laid to rest for all eternity in the sacred ground of Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery, the officially designated National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Armed Forces. Here is preserved Canada’s military heritage as well as the legacy of the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and all who have served their country

As another Remembrance Day approaches, it marks an opportunity for all individuals in Canada to deeply reflect on the service and sacrifice made by members of Canada’s military and their extended families. According to Nick McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Outreach with the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation, it’s also a time to consider the diversity of those who put country before all else.

“Here at the National Military Cemetery of the Armed Forces you will find people who have been buried side by side regardless of rank, regardless of religion, regardless of the element under which they served,” said McCarthy.  “These people came from all over the world to  train and defend Canada, to serve their country first. In the ground they reflect the principles they fought for, for unity, diversity, and the truest sense of freedom.”

According to McCarthy, Beechwood Cemetery represents over 200 years of Canadian military history while honouring the people who fought and died for Canada dating back to 1812. The more than 82,000 buried there include Maria Hill, who was involved in battles in the War of 1812, including Niagara-based skirmishes like the Battle of Queenston Heights, the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, and the Battle of Chippawa.

After the war, she became an early settler of what is now Ottawa and was buried in 1881 in the grounds where Beechwood now stands. The first monument in the cemetery was erected by members of the 2nd Ottawa Field Battery in the 1870s. The sculptured sandstone cairn is dedicated to the memory of their former commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel John B. Turner. Another sculpted sandstone statue erected in the 1870s by members of the 2nd Ottawa Field Battery is dedicated to the memory of a former commander, Captain James Forsyth. Burials of 21^st century military personnel have occurred as recently as this month.

“From its beginning the people who founded Beechwood had a profound understanding of the importance of honouring soldiers and veterans, providing a place where people 

could come and pay their respects to the honoured dead,” said McCarthy. “There’s a long row for interning veterans of the Boer War and World War 1 who were destitute. Here they were offered a dignified burial. There’s an entire section of graves from people from all across the Commonwealth, buried together because they came together and died fighting for a common cause. In veterans’ sections there are 27 different nationalities buried together as one fighting unit. They all shared the belief that we needed to unite for the freedom of the world.”

In honour of Remembrance Day Beechwood Cemetery has a full calendar of events designed for family and friends of the fallen as well as members of the public. Even those without a direct connection to members of the Canadian Armed Forces are welcome to attend and experience the reverence shown to veterans on November 11^th.

“It’s a day to remember, but also to recognize that are many spaces yet to be filled by  those who will make sacrifices for their country,” said McCarthy. “In these times, it’s paramount that we uphold these principles as citizens of Canada and look to each other for comfort.”

For a full calendar of Remembrance Day activities, visit Beechwood Cemetery online at https://beechwoodottawa.ca/en

This Content is made possible by our Sponsor; it is not written by and does not reflect the views of the editorial staff