National war memorial to be unveiled in Kingston’s Macdonald Park
Dignitaries, City representatives and members of the National Wall of Remembrance Association (NWORA) will gather on Saturday, Nov. 1 to commemorate the new National Memorial to the Fallen in Macdonald Park. The ceremony will take place at Macdonald Park at 1 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.
The monument is a partnership between NWORA and the City of Kingston, dedicated to honouring the more than 120,000 Canadian veterans who have lost their lives during military conflicts. After 15 years of planning and fundraising, one of NWORA’s main goals has finally been achieved with the construction and unveiling of this physical memorial.
“This memorial, situated in the historic city of Kingston, is a place where memories become personal. Families may reflect. Veterans may honour their comrades. Children may learn. Canadians may pay their respects,” says General Walt Natynczyk (retired), former Chief of Defence Staff and former Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, guest of honour for the ceremony and patron of NWORA. “This is a space for the living, shaped by the lives of the Fallen. And here, against the backdrop of Lake Ontario and beside the watchful walls of the Murney Tower, we make a national promise: that memory will not fade with time. That sacrifice will not be forgotten. That service will be honoured—every day of the year.”
“As a city with deep military roots, Kingston is proud to be the home of this national memorial,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “It’s a place that honours the memory of every Canadian who has fallen in service, and reflects our enduring gratitude for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.”
Memorial design
The memorial includes four granite pillars engraved with images referencing Canada’s contributions during conflicts, including pre-First World War, First World War, Second World War and to the present day.
The four pillars represent the cardinal directions — north, east, south and west — and from above form the likeness of a compass. The four points symbolize the global impact of Canada’s military service and Canada’s Fallen soldiers around the world.
The physical monument is connected to a digital memorial at CanadianFallen.ca, which presents further stories, biographies and photos of Fallen soldiers. The website further explains the physical memorial and highlights the numerous other programmes offered by NWORA which help to honour the Fallen.
Background
In 2019, the National Wall of Remembrance Association approached the City of Kingston with a proposal to create a single place of remembrance for all of Canada’s Fallen heroes.
In July 2019, City Council directed staff to work with the NWORA to develop a plan for the memorial. Council approved the plan in December 2022, and an official sod-turning ceremony took place in August 2023. Construction began in spring 2025.
The memorial will be formally transferred to the City; NWORA will provide funding to support its ongoing care and maintenance as part of the City of Kingston’s Civic Collection.
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Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
Canada
contactus@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-0000
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