OTTAWA, November 28, 2007 − Canada’s multi-faith leaders gathered today to bless the newly-built Beechwood National Memorial Centre. The blessing ceremony is an important first spiritual step in the Beechwood Cemetery’s preparation for the official opening of the Memorial Centre in the spring of 2008.  
The Beechwood National Memorial Centre was designed after extensive consultations with major faith groups to serve the memorial and commemorative needs of Canada’s diverse faith communities. As a result, it is devoid of any religious symbols. The Memorial Centre is intended to serve as an inspirational setting for services, ceremonies and memorials, special events, concerts and other celebrations of life.

“This blessing ceremony reminds us of the spiritual purpose of this new multi-faith Memorial Centre,” said Mrs. Grete Hale, Chair of the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation. ”In the spirit of unity in diversity, we’ve created an inclusive sacred space where Canadians of all faiths can honour their loved ones.”

The 14,000 square foot, nine-sided facility was designed by Ottawa’s Robertson Martin Architects. The Sacred Space area features a soaring vaulted ceiling, a large sky lit dome and, in the centre, a large 14-tonne rock. The stately facility also includes a large reception room and a Hall of Colours for military ceremonies.  The Memorial Centre is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.

“The rock at the heart of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre says it all,” said Padre Gerry Peddle, the former Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces and Vice-Chair of the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation. “It reminds us that, in the midst of our mourning, there is another reality that is eternal.”

On this historical day, spiritual leaders from 30 faith groups participated in the blessing ceremony and deposited their holy funeral rites in the Sacred Space as a symbol of support for the new facility.  Playing a key role was Brigadier-General Stanley Johnstone, Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces, who blessed both the Hall of Colours and the beautiful memorial stained glass window donated by the Canadian Military Chaplains’ Association to pay tribute to military chaplains, past and present. 

Also part of today’s ceremony was the “laying-up” of colours (regimental flags) in the Hall of Colours by two of the largest Canadian military regiments.  The Royal Canadian Regiment, Canada's senior Regular Force Infantry Regiment, and The Royal 22^nd Regiment, presented their sacred colours to BGen. Johnstone. As is the tradition, the colours will hang in the Hall of Colours, untouched, until they completely deteriorate. 

In the years to come, it is expected that other regiments will also bring their colours to Beechwood. 

Our new Beechwood National Memorial Centre reflects the powerful vision that is evolving at The Beechwood Cemetery,” said Sylvia Ceacero, Executive Director of the Beechwood Cemetery and Foundation. “We are charting new territory by acknowledging Canada’s cultural diversity through the design of relevant, welcoming facilities and services.” In keeping with the Beechwood Cemetery’s vision, the Memorial Centre creates a sacred space to pay tribute to all of Canada’s heroes − leaders of government and the military, along with our everyday heroes, she added. Ms. Ceacero noted that the Beechwood Cemetery will continue to develop sensitive bereavement programs that more effectively support families at the time of their loss, and afterward. 

The Beechwood Cemetery is home to the National Military Cemetery and is a Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Memorial Cemetery. It is also the final resting place for many prominent Canadians who helped shape Ottawa and the country, including many former City of Ottawa mayors, politicians such as former Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden, Tommy Douglas, and former Governor General Ramon Hnatyshyn.