Portfolio of Sculptor Morgan MacDonald
Under grey skies and rain, N.L. entombs its Unknown Soldier in solemn ceremony at war memorial
Unknown Soldier who died in France in First World War is now in his final resting place
Mike Moore, Elizabeth Whitten · CBC News · Posted: Jul 01, 2024 5:30 AM NDT | Last Updated: July 2, 2024
Newfoundland's Unknown Soldier has been entombed at the National War Memorial following a solemn, rain-sprinkled ceremony decades in the making in downtown St. John's.
The Unknown Soldier arrived at the stage in front of the National War Memorial to the sounds of cannons fired from the Queen's Battery on Signal Hill echoing throughout downtown.
Bagpipes followed as pallbearers took the casket from the hearse and made their way up the steps of the memorial. The streets, usually bustling with noise, were still and silent as thousands of people looked on.
"No one can have greater love than to lay down their life for their country. We gather today to bear witness to the end of a pilgrimage which has brought the earthly remains of this Newfoundlander and Labradorian from Europe to this, his final resting place, at this National War Memorial," said Canadian Armed Forces chaplain Lt.-Col. Shawn Samson in front of the casket.
Premier Andrew Furey was presented with the ensign flag, which the Unknown Soldier would have fought under, and also received the Canadian flag that had been draped over the casket.