Ottawa, ON – June 24, 2026 – Beechwood Cemetery, the National Cemetery of Canada, invites members of the media and the public to attend a special ceremony commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the National Military Cemetery of Canada, taking place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the National Military Cemetery, located within Beechwood Cemetery.
Established in 2001 through a partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces and Beechwood Cemetery, the National Military Cemetery has become Canada’s national place of military remembrance, providing a dignified final resting place for members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and their eligible family members.
The anniversary ceremony will feature remarks from General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, and Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, who will reflect on the significance of the cemetery and the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice represented within its sacred grounds. The ceremony will also include a Canadian Armed Forces troop parade, bringing together serving members of the military in a display of honour, discipline, and respect for those who have served Canada throughout its history. A military flypast is also planned, weather and operational conditions permitting.
Over the past 25 years, the National Military Cemetery has evolved into one of Canada’s most important places of remembrance, reflection, and public education. Through commemorative ceremonies, military anniversaries, guided tours, educational programming, and initiatives such as No Stone Left Alone, the cemetery continues to connect Canadians with the stories of those who served our nation.
“For twenty-five years, the National Military Cemetery of Canada has been more than a place of burial. It is a place where Canada remembers, where Canadians gather, and where the legacy of military service continues to be passed from one generation to the next.”
Nicolas McCarthy, Director of Marketing, Communications and Community Outreach, Beechwood Cemetery
The ceremony will bring together Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, families, dignitaries, community leaders, and supporters to recognize a quarter-century of remembrance and national service.
Event Details
Ceremony Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the National Military Cemetery of Canada
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: National Military Cemetery of Canada
Beechwood Cemetery
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
Media are encouraged to arrive by 10:00 a.m.
About the National Military Cemetery of Canada
Located within Beechwood Cemetery, the National Military Cemetery of Canada was established in 2001 through a partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces and Beechwood Cemetery. It serves as Canada’s national military burial ground and is dedicated to honouring the service and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.
About Beechwood Cemetery
Beechwood Cemetery is the National Cemetery of Canada and home to the National Military Cemetery of Canada, the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery, the Ottawa Police Service Memorial Cemetery, the CSIS National Memorial Cemetery, and community sections representing Canada’s diverse cultural, religious, and national heritage. Through remembrance, education, and community engagement, Beechwood tells the stories of Canada and Canadians.
