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Prentice designates Beechwood a 'national' cemetery
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CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Thu. Mar. 5 2009 8:47 PM ET
Environment Minister Jim Prentice announced Thursday that Ottawa's Beechwood Cemetery will be designated a "national" cemetery.
"Establishing a national cemetery in Canada's capital will serve as an important symbol of Canadian unity and pride and a means of preserving and promoting Canada's rich history and our diversity," Prentice said.
Prentice held a news conference at the cemetery after tabling a bill in Parliament that outlined the plan.
By comparison, the U.S. has 128 national cemeteries, like Arlington near Washington.
The cemetery, already considered a National Historic Site, is currently home to the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP Memorial Cemetery.
Former prime minister Sir Robert Borden is among the 75,000 Canadians buried there, as are Tommy Douglas and Sir Sandford Fleming.
Capt. Nichola Goddard, the first Canadian female soldier to be killed in combat, was also interred at Beechwood. She was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.
"By virtue of its location here in our national capital, Beechwood serves as a focal point for our national memorial events, including Remembrance Day, and it is an appropriate place to conduct state burials," Prentice said.
He called the announcement a "significant milestone in our collective history," and said the cemetery will serve as a fitting official resting place for "national leaders and other great Canadians."
Prentice said he was last at the sprawling cemetery for the burial of Goddard. During both visits, he said, he was touched by the beauty of the surroundings and "what a truly beautiful resting place this is."
Tim Goddard, father of Nichola Goddard, said the cemetery represents service and sacrifice.
"It seemed right she was there with others who have fallen in very similar circumstances."
According to Grete Hale, who is president of the Beechwood initiative, the cemetery will become a place for Canadians to come and celebrate their country and those who have served it.
"You know, I believe very deeply that Beechwood will become a place of pilgrimage for Canadians of all ages," she told CTV's Graham Richardson.
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Please let's not even entertain any protectionist responses to this issue. Canadian consumers go south to shop because of the cheaper prices. How about resorting to competitive pricing as a solution...that will keep Canadian shoppers at home.
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Roy Venn
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If this cemetery is a National Historic Site, why is the general population only hearing about it now.
You know, we can learn from our American frieds. We know more about their national cemetery than our own
SS
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Is it a waste for those who take such comfort in visiting the graves of the departed loved ones?
And if you're stuck on the whole "arrogance of immortality" thing, I can respect that too, but just consider that any space that is kept green and beautiful and peaceful, where grass and trees and flowers can grow and people of all walks of life can find come peace - well, I can't see that as a waste.
So what if we're 'following' some examples of the US? Canada has put it's own spin on what I think is an honourable tradition.
This may tick some people off, but if you want to talk about 'wasted' space, just think of all the golf courses out there! LOL :P
But these days, we need all the green space we can keep. :)
fitzz
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But, what is a "national cemetery"? Is this not the first one?
But, what about the existing cemetery business at Beechwood. It is a commercial cemetery business,which has bills to pay and expenses to meet. What effect will a "national cemetery" designation have on the existing graves? Will the plot owners be compensated for their existing outlays? Will plots be expropriated for future use?
Let's think about it before all gushing out loud!
R. Smith
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Mark - CF Veteran - Active Duty (Nova Scotia)
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Lawrence in Ottawa
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Kit in Calgary
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Diferent Katt in ON
You should consider that cemetaries are important to those of us who grieve. Every time I'm in Ottawa I place flowers on my parents grave at Beechwood. They never intended to be immortalized - but they wanted to provide a place for their children to grieve. It is a beautiful place.
Jenn, Ottawa
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Aaron
In answer to a previous post, the reason Minister Prentice is making this announcement is that the Environment Minister is also responsible for Parks Canada, and for national historic sites and monuments.
No that would be heritge. And Cemetaries are not parks, they may have trees and look nice but they are working peices of land. And his riding is not Ottawa.
Dave,
Actually, you are wrong, and although I can understand that it is confusing, Parks Canada is responsible for more than just National Parks. This includes over 150 National Historic Sites and the National Historic Sites & Monuments Board.
sarah
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Live from NS
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Dave from Toronto
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In answer to a previous post, the reason Minister Prentice is making this announcement is that the Environment Minister is also responsible for Parks Canada, and for national historic sites and monuments.
No that would be heritge. And Cemetaries are not parks, they may have trees and look nice but they are working peices of land. And his riding is not Ottawa.
Alicia
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long time over due !!
Fact: most countries have national cemeteries - we just hear about Arlington vs the ones in Europe !
They are NOT a waste of land - they are a historical reminder - they transbound religion, culture, race - you can learn the most facinating stories of lives past by 'haunting' cemeteries - these people make us what we are today... as for the purpose of Beechwood - it is about time we honoured those who are out there protecting us - and if you don't care - stand in front of them when they are doing their job.
Conservatives - Liberals - NDP have stood together on this issue - why can't we ?
dwayne-ottawa
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Aaron
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Dan from Northern Ont.
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A. Bica
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I wonder how the Harper government will copy Obama's ways because unless they do, they better hope the liberals don't call them on one of the confidence vote threats.
Mark
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Flags are moved to half mast, music and films are composed, days of remembrance are made compulsory-all of these things are in order for people to remember.
A National Cemetery to remember Canadians who have given to their country is an excellent idea-and long past its' due. The grass under which Nichola Goddard rests is hallowed ground and far from wasted.
Dave from Toronto
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Diferent Katt in ON
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Jim in Ottawa
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