 Beechwood Cemetery “breaks ground” for new Multi-faith National Memorial Centre OTTAWA, October 25, 2006 – Taking a bold step into its future, the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation unveiled plans today for a stunning Beechwood National Memorial Centre that befits its vision of becoming Canada’s National Cemetery and serving Canada’s diverse faith community. At an official ground-breaking ceremony today, The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation announced that within the year a 14,000 square-foot, nine-sided National Memorial Centre will be ready to accommodate some of Canada’s most prestigious commemorative ceremonies, along with the intimate memorial requirements of families and individuals from every faith. “Canada deserves a sacred space that welcomes all of Canada’s faith communities. This glorious, light-filled space will reflect Beechwood’s national stature and our growing role as a place to commemorate the lives and achievements of Canadians,” says Grete Hale, Foundation President. “Our vision for this Centre builds on our efforts to respond to the call for a versatile space for larger national ceremonies.” About 400 people will be accommodated under the glass dome of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre designed by local architect, Robert Martin of Robertson Martin Architects. The Centre will also provide an inspirational setting for special events, concerts and other celebrations of life. The Centre will also feature a large reception hall with a “Hall of Colours” to display the laid-up colours of Canada’s military regiments. Canada’s Military Chaplains are currently fundraising for a stained glass window to honour those military personnel who served their country. “The design and purpose of the Centre make it unique in the world,” says Padre Gerry Peddle, former Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces. The design of the facility was the result of extensive consultations with local leaders of the world’s faith groups and The Ontario Multi-Faith Council. Each faith group can feel at home in the facility and can bring thier own unique memorial traditions to the space. At the ground-turning event today, dignitaries unearthed a large rock selected from the Cemetery’s property that will be placed at the heart of the Centre. “This rock will remind people that in the midst of our transient life, there is permanence in the grander order of things, “said Padre Gerry Peddle, who officiated at the ceremony. “This rock will be a silent witness of the entire passage of human life. It will remind us that in the midst of our mourning, there is another reality that is firm, steadfast, enduring and will last forever.”Situated on more than 160 acres, Beechwood is Ottawa’s premier cemetery and a National Historic Site. The Cemetery’s national importance stems from its role as home to both The National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces and the National RCMP Memorial Cemetery. Beechwood is also the final resting place for many Canadians who helped shape Ottawa and the country, including 26 former city mayors, over 40 families who have been commemorated in Ottawa street names, politicians such as former Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, Tommy Douglas, and former Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn. For further information contact:
Telephone : 613 741-9530
Email : info@beechwoodcemetery.com
Web site : www.beechwoodcemetery.com Media contacts:
Lisa Robertson (613) 739-7032Susan Wright (613) 314-2021MEDIA ADVISORY
Ground-breaking for the Beechwood National Memorial Centre − A sacred space for all OTTAWA, October 23, 2006 -- The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation will host a public ground-breaking ceremony at the cemetery this Wednesday to commence the construction of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, a sacred space for all. Beechwood is leading the way with a world-class facility designed to serve the memorial needs of all Canadians, recognizing Canada’s multicultural, multi-faith character. This unique centre will be one of its kind in the world. When: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Beechwood Cemetery
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
To the south of the Beechwood Reception Centre.
Parking available nearby. Who:
Grete Hale, President, The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation
Brigadier-General Stanley Johnstone, Chaplain General, Department of National Defence
Assistant Commissioner Bernie Corrigan, Public Affairs and Communications Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Padre Gerry Peddle, Member of The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation and former Chaplain General, Department of National Defence
Mauril Bélanger, Member of Parliament (Ottawa-Vanier)
Robert Martin, Architect, Robertson Martin Architects Inc.
Sylvia Ceacero, Executive Director, Beechwood Cemetery Media contacts:Lisa Robertson (613) 739-7032Susan Wright (613) 314-2021 |
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