Peacekeeping Monument facts for kids
Peacekeeping Monument, seen from southeast. The National Gallery stands in the background
|
|
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario |
|---|---|
| Type | War memorial |
| Dedicated to | Canada's Peacekeeping forces |
The Peacekeeping Monument, also called Reconciliation, is a special statue in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. It remembers Canada's important role in helping to keep peace around the world. It also honors all the Canadian soldiers who have worked, and are still working, as peacekeepers. This includes both those who are still alive and those who have passed away.
Contents
Where is the Monument Located?
The monument is in a busy part of Ottawa. You can find it where St. Patrick Street and Murray Street meet Mackenzie Avenue and Sussex Drive. It's just south of the National Gallery of Canada. It is also just north of the American Embassy and Major's Hill Park.
Who Designed the Monument?
Artist Jack Harman created the three soldier statues. Architects Richard and Gregory Henriquez designed the overall look of the site. They also planned the monument's structures. Cornelia Oberlander was the landscape architect. She designed the surrounding green spaces. The monument was finished in 1992.
What Does the Monument Show?
The monument is named Reconciliation. It shows three peacekeeping soldiers. Two of them are men, and one is a woman. They stand on two stone ridges. These ridges cut through broken pieces that look like war debris. The ridges come together at a high point. This high point symbolizes how peacekeeping helps solve problems.
A Famous Quote on the Monument
At the bottom of the monument, there is a quote from Lester B. Pearson. He was a Canadian diplomat and politician. In 1956, he said: "We need action not only to end the fighting but to make the peace... My own government would be glad to recommend Canadian participation in such a United Nations force, a truly international peace and police force." This quote is also written in French. Lester Pearson later won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in peacekeeping.
Commemorated on a Coin
In 1995, the Peacekeeping Monument was featured on Canada's $1 coin. This was a special way to honor its importance. The year before, in 1994, the National War Memorial was also put on a $1 coin.
See also
In Spanish: Peacekeeping Monument para niños
