Tri-Service Monument at the National Military Cemetery
The National Military Cemetery is a national focal point of honour which recognises the men and women of Canada’s Armed Forces who have served their country with distinction in war and in peace.
As a national site of recognition, this cemetery is unique within Canada. Military burials are based on tradition and the carrying out of that tradition must always be done in a dignified and professional manner to ensure those we mourn are provided the honour and homage that they have earned. The mission of the NMC is to provide a dignified and serene place of rest for deceased eligible.
The Tri-Service monument was unveiled on June 28, 2004. Inscribed on each side is a poem representing each branch of the Canadian Forces: the Naval Hymn for the Navy, In Flanders Fields for the Army and When I Think of Famous Men for the Air Force.
When I Think of Famous Men
Near the snow, near the sun, in the highest fields,
See how these names are fêted by the waving grass
And by the streamers of white cloud
And whispers of wind in the listening sky.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire’s centre.
Born of the sun, they travelled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.
The Naval Hymn
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidst the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea.
O Christ, whose voice the waters heard,
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst the storm didst sleep:
O hear us when we cry to
Thee For those in peril on the sea.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing,
fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw The torch;
be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.