The Response to the Canadian National War Memorial - Essay Example

?'The Response' - the Canadian National War Memorial Worldwide, war memorials ignite the memories of wartime heroes who fought for their motherlands.When there is no internal or external aggression, people rarely think about the soldiers and the civilians who fought for their motherland. But during and after wars, people think about the heroism of the soldiers and the civilians. The war memorials (generally, buildings or sculptures) ignite the feeling of cohesiveness and nationalism among the people. After the WWI and WWII, war memorials became popular in Europe and America to commemorate those who served their motherlands. Thesis statement: The characteristics, history, controversy, commemorative nature and functions of the Canadian National War Memorial prove its value beyond a war memorial, as a visible example of heroism and duty mindedness (special references to the characteristic, history, controversy, commemorative nature and the function of the Canadian National War Memorial). Basic information After the WWI, the Canadian government decided to construct a memorial to commemorate the individuals who served their motherland during the war. So, the government conducted a competition to select an apt design for the war memorial. Hale (2009), makes clear that “An iconic national symbol, the National War Memorial was designed by Englishman Vernon March, following an international competition in 1925” (p. 161). Among the designs submitted, Vernon March’s design was selected because his idea was to pay tribute to all those who served their motherland during the war. National War Memorial (The Response) is a big granite monument situated in Confederation Square, Ottawa, Canada. The Response consists of a giant arch with a number people marching through the same. Vernon March gave equal importance to soldiers and the civilians who served Canada during WWI. Characteristics As pointed out, war memorials celebrate wartime heroism. But The Response is totally different from conventional war memorials because it represents the transformation of Canada from war to peace. For instance, the heroes in the memorial are marching from war towards peace. But Keshen (1996) opines that “In commissioning a National War Memorial in 1925, Ottawa wished to promote “the spirit of heroism...exemplified in the lives of those (who) sacrificed”” (p. 194). The mastermind behind the memorial did not neglect the civilians to served Canada during WWI. The Response is with unique characteristics different from other war memorials. For instance, it helps the people to remember the individuals (say, known and unknown) who served their motherland. So, The Response was rededicated to the wartime heroes who served Canada during WWII, the Korean War etc. Another characteristic of The Response is that it represents the transformation of personal memory to a broader context, i.e. collective memory of the society. Personal memory of an individual who served his or her motherland is limited to one’s private circle. When personal memory is superimposed into the context of collective memory of the society (say, with the help of a memorial building or a statue), remembrance becomes long lasting. The individual or individuals become the symbol of national pride and heroism. At the same time, The Response does not glorify war because it represents the transformation of a society from war related atrocities to peace. In short, The Response is symbolic of Canada’s transformation from a colony to a powerful nation in the North American continent. History The history of The Response is interconnected with Canada’s participation in the World Wars and the Korean War. Brockman (2011), makes clear that “On Ottawa’s Confederation Square, the Canadians erected The Response, built to remember those who served and died in World War I” (p. 600). The large number of war memorials in Canada proves that the Canadian’s are not ready to forget their past. Now, Canada is a multiracial society but shows ample attention and care to preserve the monuments and sculptures related to its past. The Response is such an attempt to regain the past without forgetting the heroic personalities who served their motherland. As pointed out, Vernon March is the mastermind behind the design and construction of The Response. But he was not able to complete his work and his sister and brothers completed the same. The construction work started in the year 1926 and was completed in 1938. Vernon March, the designer of the memorial passed away in the year 1930, but his brothers and sister continued the work. There are 23 figures (made in bronze) in the memorial which is symbolic of the importance of peace in human life. The construction work was under the control of Dominion's Department of Public Works in Canada. In the year 1939, The Response was dedicated to the nation by George VI. It is not a typical war memorial because most of the war memorials symbolize the heroism of soldiers. Instead, The Response is a tribute to all those who served Canada during wars (say, WWI, WWII and Korean War). Controversy As pointed out most of the war memorials are symbolic of wartime heroism and national pride. In addition, most of the war memorials celebrate heroism and indirectly appreciate violence. The aptness of a war memorial to commemorate the wartime heroes and to instill the importance of peace is a controversial subject. For instance, when wartime heroism is projected, the importance of peace is neglected. The real controversy related to The Response is a national scandal which happened in the year 2006. This incident happened on the following day of the celebration of an important day in the history of Canada. Within this context, the celebration of Canada Day is important to the Canadians because it is considered as the ‘birth day’ of Canada. For instance, on Canada Day, the Canadians commemorate their independence and pay tribute to their national heroes. Outdoor events, citizenship ceremonies and other public events are conducted on this day. The day after the Canada Day (in the year 2006) witnessed an unforgettable event in the history of The Response. After celebrating their Canada Day, a few Canadian youngsters urinated on the memorial, but it was photographed. But, the youngsters were under the influence of alcohol. They were not aware of the consequences and the importance of the memorial (The Response) in the history of Canada. The youngsters were celebrating the independence of their nation, but insulted the memorial of independence and peace. Later, two of the youngsters apologized and the other one made clear that he was not able to recollect anything related to the incident. After this incident, the authorities decided to provide security to the memorial. Commemorative nature World-wide, duty mindedness towards one’s motherland is considered as utmost important because it reinforces cohesiveness. The Response can be considered as beyond a typical national war memorial because its aim is different. For instance, the bronze figures that can be seen in the memorial are not mere figures but symbolic of the growth and development of Canada from a colony to a powerful nation. The giant figures are symbolic of everlasting memory and the importance of national pride. In addition, these figures are symbolic of the historical importance of the soldiers and civilians in Canada. The inscriptions on the memorial are symbolic of its commemorative nature. For instance, the dates that are inscribed on the memorial helps the viewers to have deeper understanding of the importance of WW I, WW II and the Korean War in the history of Canada. These inscriptions consist of the beginning and end of the wars and the involvement of Canadian citizens in these wars. These inscriptions help the viewers to perceive the essence and aim of the memorial. The memorial is symbolic of the self sacrificing attitude of the Canadians and their never-ending passion towards freedom and liberty. The figures in the memorial are not marching towards war, but towards freedom and peace. The memorial helps the people in Canada to realize that the freedom that they enjoy today is indebted to the sacrificing attitude of the thousands of individuals who sacrificed their dreams for the future generations. Hempstead (2011), states that “Ottawa and the National War Memorial is ground zero for the nation’s tribute, and tens of thousands come to the city for the sombre ceremonies” (p. 268). Besides, the memorial helps the viewers to realize the importance of freedom and peace. In short, the memorial is an apt symbol which helps the viewers to commemorate the wartime heroes who served their motherland for the wellbeing of the future generations. Functions The most important function of The Response is to ignite the feeling of oneness among the people of Canada. In addition, it is symbolic of the rich history of Canada which helps the viewers to realize the importance of preserving history. The Response functions as an important site for ceremonial parades and commemorative celebrations. For instance, The Response is the location for the yearly celebration of the Remembrance Day, which commemorates the end of the WWI. Aloian (2010), states that “On Remembrance Day, some people visit the National War Memorial in Confederation Square in Ottawa, Canada” ( p. 16). On this day, the war veterans who served Canada and the political leaders and the others who represent different organizations gather at The Response and pay homage to the individuals who served Canada during wars. The ceremonial events like Remembrance Day (conducted at the memorial) help the civilians to realize the importance of national feeling and freedom. When the members of the Royal Family of Canada visit Ottawa, they usually visit The Response. This proves that The Response can be considered as a link which connects the Royal Family with the people. In addition, important political leaders and presidents from other nations lay wreaths at The Response. For example, the President of USA, John F. Kennedy visited memorial in the year 1961. In short, The Response functions as a historical monument, as a memorial which helps the people to realize the importance of freedom and as the symbol of peace. Summing, most of the world nations show utmost interest to pay homage to the wartime heroes. In Canada, The Response represents the homage to the wartime heroes. But The Response does not neglect the importance of peace. Instead, it acts the role of a visual symbol which represents the transformation of Canada from wartime atrocities to peace. As the memorial is situated in a public place in Ottawa, the people are able to view the same and realize the importance of freedom in life. The Response is symbolic of the multicultural characteristics of the Canadian society. So, The Response is beyond a traditional war memorial because it portrays the political history of Canada. In addition, The Response helps to realize the importance of world peace and universal brotherhood. References Aloian, M. (2010). Remembrance Day. New York, NY: Crabtree Publishing Company. Brockman, N.C. (2011). Encyclopedia of Sacred Places. California, USA: ABC-CLIO. Hale, J. (2009).Frommer's Ottawa. Mississauga, ON: Frommer's. Hempstead, A. (2011). Frommer's far & wide: a weekly guide to Canada's best travel experiences. Mississauga, ON: John Wiley & Sons. Keshen, J. (1996). Propaganda and censorship during Canada's Great War. Alberta, Canada: University of Alberta. Read More