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Communities
The National Military Cemetery at Beechwood contains four sections, spread throughout the cemetery. These include two Commonwealth War Grave sections, one section managed by Veterans Affairs Canada (Section 27) and the newest section, the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces (Section 103), managed by the Department of National Defence. This page deals primarily with Section 103, but for more information on burial in Section 27, please visit our Veterans and War Dead page.
Honoring those who have served Canada
Section 103 is the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces, honoring the men and women who served Canada. The section was expanded by 2 hectares in 2003 and now contains 12,000 spaces for both traditional interments and cremated remains.
The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation helped establish the National Military Cemetery in 2007 to create a link between those who died on active service, whose death was related to service, or who served honourably and who wanted to rest with their peers in the grounds of Sections 19, 27, 29 and 103.
Central Monument
The central monument of Section 103 is dedicated to the men and women of the Canadian Forces who served our country with honour and distinction. The monument is located at the top of a ceremonial walkway, and is flanked by two flagpoles; one flies the Ensign of the Canadian Forces and the other flying the Canadian flag.
Tri-Service Monument
At the end of the walkway is the Tri-Service Monument, unveiled in 2004. The monument has three sides, each one devoted to one branch of the Canadian Forces: the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army. Inscribed in each side is a poem for each branch of the Canadian Forces: the Naval Hymn, In Flanders Fields and When I Think of Famous Men.
Eligibility
Eligibility includes:
- Currently serving and honourably released Regular and Reserve Force members of The Canadian Forces
- Members honourably released from a former Canadian Service
- Canadian Veterans of the World Wars or Korean War, and the Canadian Merchant Navy
One family member may also be interred in the same plot as the service member. Verification of entitlement will be established in every case through the application process.
Application and Registration
Click here to obtain a PDF of the application. Forward completed applications to the DND at the below address. If approved, you will be notified and authorized to make arrangements directly with the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood.
The Centre
c/o Director of Casualty Support Management
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General Georges R Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K2
Email: NationalMilitaryCemetery-CimetiereMilitaireNational@forces.gc.ca
Phone: 1-800-883-6094
Visit DND Website | Operating Policies of the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces | NMC Application Form (PDF)
Arrangements
Beechwood can assist in all types of pre-arrangements or at time-of-need arrangements. Beechwood can also help coordinate the purchase, production and installation of a headstone adhering to specifications pre-determined by DND. Please note that graves cannot be pre-selected, and are not allocated on the basis of rank, service, regiment or personal preference.
Special Commemorative Services
To honour the memory of our Canadian service personnel, an urn or casket can be placed on the large, black granite plinth in the Hall of Colours, an area for the exclusive use of military members and veterans. Through the Hall’s beautiful memorial stained-glass window, donated by the Canadian Military Chaplains’ Association, sunlight shines on the plinth and the laid-up Colours of Canada’s Military Regiments. Families, colleagues and friends may visit the urn or casket prior to interment in the National Military Cemetery.
Special Burial Services
If desired, a military presence can be made available at graveside service when conducted within Section 103. Subject to availability, the Honour Guard, Padre, Bugler or Piper can be provided at no charge.
For no-obligation inquiries, contact one of our Beechwood liaisons at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services:
Tel: 613-741-9530
Fax: 613-741-8584
Email: nmc@beechwoodottawa.ca
