April 9, 2015
Since the launch of the new National Sentry Program (NSP) in 2014, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) sentry is posted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the National War Memorial, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily from April 9 to November 10 from 2014 to 2020.
This duty reinforces Canada’s commitment to remember and honour those Canadians who served in the major wars of the twentieth century, including both World Wars, as well as those who have contributed to Canada’s long-standing tradition of military excellence through to the present day.
The year 2014 was a significant year for the National Sentry Program. Due to restorative work on the National War Memorial, the first sentries were posted on August 4, the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War. The daily presence of the sentries enhanced public awareness that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is to be treated with dignity and respect.
However, it was the tragic death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo on October 22nd that stunned Canadians across the country. Sentry duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier now holds a deeper meaning for both the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian public.
The Canadian Armed Forces has been posting sentries at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the months of July and August since 2007. The NSP has expanded on that program with a rotation of sentries from the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force. Special military anniversaries are recognized with additional sentries from the associated units, ships, squadrons, branches and Corps.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Canada’s most iconic and visible reminder of the service and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Armed Forces. In May 2000, the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in the First World War were repatriated from France and, with great ceremony, were buried in a special tomb in front of the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was created to honour the more than 116,000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace and freedom. The Unknown Soldier represents all Canadians, whether they be navy, army, air force or merchant marine, who died or may die for their country in all conflicts – past, present, and future.