Eliza_3

Today, I visited the renowned Peacekeeping Monument in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. It is dedicated to Canadian peacekeepers, which have served in zones of conflict around the world. The monument itself shows three peacekeepers, two men and a women, who stand on two sharp, knifelike edges of stone, cutting through the rubble and debris of war and then converging at a high point. I was earlier told this symbolizes the resolution of conflict. The work is entitled [|“Reconciliation”] (i have included a picture) and honours both the living and dead which served as peacekeepers. I visited the site alone today, it was not on the tour itinerary but I have heard it is quite a tastefully built remembrance site, and I felt obliged to pay tribute. The monument is located just south of the National Gallery of Canada, where we spent our morning. As we had the afternoon off, I undertook the fifteen minute walk to just near Majors Hill Park, just north of the American Embassy. The base of the monument includes Lester Pearson’s 1956 quote which I read while writing this, //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//. Below this was also the French translation of this quote, as Canada shares its official language between English and French. I felt this reference may be closely linked to the 1988 Nobel Peace Prize that was awarded to the UN. The site is relatively quite this afternoon; however there just were a few Japanese tourists who took a few pictures of the monument. They had a bit of trouble reading the quote, I tried to help them out but my Japanese isn’t very fluent and unfortunately my translating turned into a bad game of charades. They seemed to appreciate the help and took a few photos with me anyway. I plan to sit my minute in silent remembrance and respect, and then I guess I should get back to the group.