If everything goes as planned, Canada will soon have its first National Cemetery.  We will have a cemetery to honour distinguished Canadians who came before us and honour and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa will be designated Canada’s national cemetery under Bill C-17. Beechwood is a large cemetery where over 75,000 Canadians are buried, including 23 “National Historic Persons” like Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden and scientist Sir Sanford Fleming, the “Father of Standard Time.”

Since 2001, Beechwood has been the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces—a place to remember our soldiers, sailors, airmen and women.  In 2002, Beechwood was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. In 2004, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery was established at Beechwood to honour our Mounties.

As someone who believes that it is important that we learn, understand and apply our history, I am proud to say that Canada will soon have a national cemetery of Remembrance—a place where we can honour and remember the achievements and sacrifices which made Canada great.

If you are ever in Ottawa, take time to stop and see Beechwood. Take time to visit the National Memorial Centre. Take time to visit the final resting place of many who helped build and defend Canada.

I’m Brad Trost your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt.  You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.