National Memorial Cemetery (NMC)
at Beechwood Cemetery
Ottawa, Ontario
by
Roy V. Berlinquette Reg. #23694, D/Comm’r. (Rtd)
Chair, RCMP National Memorial
Cemetery Development Project
The RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa is a means of recognizing the significant contribution of the members of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), the Royal North West Mounted Police (RNWMP) and the RCMP.
On Wednesday, January 11th, 2006 Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli, Mrs.Grete Hale, President of the Beechwood Foundation and Al Rivard, President of the Ottawa Division of the RCMP Veterans’ Association formally signed a tri-partite agreement for the governance and stewardship of the RCMP NMC at Beechwood Cemetery Ottawa.
This historic event took place on the site and was attended by several dignitaries and invited guests, including former and current executive members of the RCMP Veterans’ Association, Ottawa Division. The tri-partite agreement is a legally binding document that defines and specifies the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties and, in particular, it highlights the leadership role the Ottawa Division of the RCMP Veterans’Association in the continuing development, expansion and beautification projects for the site.
Beechwood Cemetery, like the NWMP, was founded in 1873 and it is a designated National Historic Site, an honour bestowed by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada on September 29th, 2002. Beechwood is indeed a place to discover, an oasis shrouded in a protective canopy of leaf and vine, with its storied pathways, stately elms, maples and evergreens, magnificent gardens, architectural splendor and landscaping rich in beauty.
Each year, hundreds of visitors stroll through this real botanical garden with its many nature trails and discover over three hundred varieties of hostas, colorful spring tulips and the numerous small gardens that are among the finest in the City of Ottawa.
With its 160 acres of natural beauty, with its elegant monuments, including an exclusive monument in honor of Constable Marmaduke Graburn, the first member of the NWMP to be killed on duty, Beechwood continues to reflect the imagery of its roots and the history of the RCMP.
The RCMP NMC, juxtaposed to the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces, is strategically located in the heart of Canada’s National Capital Region within the grounds of Beechwood Cemetery. This site is truly a place of reverence, a visual testament to the proud traditions of the NWMP, the RNWMP, the RCMP as well as the RCMP Public Service Employees. This initiative originated within the Ottawa Division, RCMP Veterans' Association and since the official dedication ceremony in October 2004, many enhancements to the beautiful site have been successfully achieved, including the completion of two cobble stone pathways, parade square at the base of the monument, and dedication of the majestic black granite monument.
Thus far, over two hundred and fifty serving and retired members have pre-arranged and committed to the RCMP NMC at Beechwood as their final resting place and that of their loved ones. Forty nine members of our extended family have laid to rest since the summer of 2004.
Ottawa has been the Headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for over 85 years, and a centrally located RCMP National Memorial Cemetery exclusively for our deceased members and their families, including Public Service Employees having twenty continuous years of service with the RCMP, is a legacy befitting Canada’s national police service.
The RCMP NMC is meant to compliment the Regimental Cemetery at ‘Depot’ and provides an option to all former and serving members in choosing their final resting place in a dignified sanctuary of peace exclusively dedicated to our police family.
The legacy pathway of the RCMP NMC is modeled on Northern Ireland Royal Ulster Constabulary St. George’s Garden of Remembrance which is a learning pathway that attests to the history of the RUC and a fitting memorial to the 308 Officers killed during the thirty years of the period commonly known as the “Troubles”.
The RCMP NMC pathway will reflect on the Force’s storied history so that visitors and school classes will have an opportunity to learn and understand why there is national pride in our organization and international recognition.