Language selection


Search veterans.gc.ca

Peace Tower

Hidden photo gallery

  • front
    (Click for more images)
  • tower (left side)
  • clock
  • entrance
  • tower under construction in 1921
  • Peace Tower, 1951

Municipality/Province: Ottawa, ON

Memorial number: 35059-019

Type: Stone tower

Address: 111 Wellington Street

Location: Parliament Hill, Centre Block

GPS coordinates: Lat: 45.4232852   Long: -75.6982919

Submitted by: Harry Palmer. Victoria Edwards

The Peace Tower, at a height of nearly 98 metres, forms the centrepiece on Parliament Hill and is dedicated to all Canadian men and women killed during wartime and the peace which they died to achieve.

On September 1, 1919, the Prince of Wales laid the cornerstone of the tower and designated it the Tower of Peace and Victory. However, the name of the tower was finally settled during the 1927 celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Confederation. Prime Minister Mackenzie King was keen on giving this important memorial a name that would match its role as a symbol of the principles for which Canada fought in the Great War, as well as the high aspirations of the Canadian people.

It houses a 53-bell carillon, dedicated in remembrance of the sacrifice and service of Canadians in the First World War. Inside the Peace Tower is the Memorial Chamber, a space dedicated to the memory of those who gave their lives in service to Canada. The inauguration of the Peace Tower and its Carillon took place on July 1, 1927.

 


Inscription found on memorial

Above the arch of the front window of the memorial chamber is the first line of Psalm 74: GIVE THE KING THY JUDGEMENTS O GOD AND THY RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTO THE KING'S SON

Street view

Note

This information is provided by contributors and Veterans Affairs Canada makes it available as a service to the public. Veterans Affairs Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the information.

Date modified: