In 2001, Beechwood became the home of the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. This section is dedicated to honouring the memory of Canadian service personnel who faithfully served their country in war and peace, at home and abroad, sometimes making the supreme sacrifice on its behalf.  It occupies 8.29 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain that is maintained by The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation in partnership with the Department of National Defence. In 2003, DND exercised an option to purchase the burial rights to another section, expanding the NMC by 2 hectares. It consists of about 12,000 spaces for traditional interments and cremated remains.