The National Wall of Remembrance

by: John Stencell

Published: January, 2026

Something New In Kingston

In this time when we are surrounded by so much media exposure, I really can’t believe I missed learning about this wonderful project. Yes, and I missed it more than once because this project was started in 2010. It had been in development for fifteen years and I only discovered it because I happened to drive by the site a couple times a week during June and July 2025.

I told our Editor Susie Smith, and she suggested that I do a story for the January edition of TI Life. In doing my preparation for the story, I learned about its beginnings in 2010, about the many steps meticulously taken to bring it to where it is now, and about how it will continue to be supported moving into the future. It is described as a single place where Canadians can come to remember and learn about their fallen heroes. It is meant to supplement existing local monuments in celebrating and remembering the contributions of 120,000 people.

So, how did this all come to be?

The answer is complex, so I have chosen to give an overview and highlight the key elements. It was an ambitious project, structurally planned and patiently executed. I have chosen not to get bogged down by recognizing all the participants by name. However, I do believe that they all deserve our gratitude and our praise. Thank you all!

Apparently, a group spearheaded by Al Jones and many others, some with military service, formed the National Wall of Remembrance Association (NWORA) in 2010. Al Jones was the first president. This group began completing the many tedious steps needed for the project. One of these was fundraising. They successfully put a corporate donor structure in place with levels Gold, Silver, and Bronze. They produced a high-quality magazine called Remembrance Souvenir. This became a way of promoting the progress of the association, plus a fund raiser with contributions from advertisements. The magazine is published once a year and has become a collector’s item. So far, 12 editions have been published.

Documentation was also a huge endeavour and a group known as History Lives Here was up to the task.

Two Parts!

The beauty of the whole project is that it has two parts: The physical monument here in Kingston, with displays that focus on the key elements; and a virtual or online monument, a collection of information that documents the physical display and has information gathered about the men and women who are honoured individually.

Arial view of this serene and peaceful setting. Photo courtesy of Mike Hill, drone photographer extraordinaire.

The monument

It wasn’t until 2019 that the city of Kingston was asked to be the site for the project. Kingston was chosen because of its political history (first capital), its military history, Fort Henry, Royal Military College, presence of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, and more. At this point, the city partnered with the NWORA to choose a suitable site - approved in 2022 - groundbreaking in 2023 - construction in spring 2025 - and the opening ceremony November 1, 2025.

The tranquil site is in MacDonald Park, on the south side of King Street near the intersection of King and Barrie Streets. Murney Tower, one of four fortifications known as a Martello tower, built in 1846 as defense for Kingston and now a museum, is nearby. It looks out on Lake Ontario, where the battle of Kingston Harbour was fought years ago.

The City of Kingston partnered with the NWORA to choose a suitable site - approved in 2022 - groundbreaking in 2023 - construction in spring 2025 - and the opening ceremony November 1, 2025.

The monument is laid out in the shape of a poppy. The outer edge is raised and creates an attractive border. Its base or floor is beautifully created using paving stones. In the centre, a compass rose has been designed into the stonework. In the very centre of the compass rose is a 25-foot-tall flagpole. There are five raised granite elements. The smallest of these is the kiosk with a bronze sculpture, purpose of which is to present an introduction at the entrance. The tall elements are called pillars, placed on the compass rose cardinal points, north, east, south, and west, to symbolize that service extended to the four corners of the world. All the pillars are beautifully crafted with thoughtful and carefully selected content.

Each pillar represents a period of history: Pre-World War I, World War I, World War II, and Post-World War II.

Choosing the history to highlight on each pillar must have been a huge challenge. Each pillar’s base displays a word that expresses the theme of the memorial: Service, Sacrifice, Honour, and Mourning. Each pillar displays a QR code that quickly links you to the NWORA website.

Linking virtually allows you to explore all kinds of additional information presented in text, pictures, diagrams, and video.

Huge Accomplishment

In summary, The National Wall of Remembrance is a huge accomplishment.

At the opening ceremony, the guest of honour, Gen. (ret.) Walt Natynczyk, former Chief of the Defence staff and former Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, spoke to those attending the opening of the National Memorial to the Fallen in MacDonald Park in Kingston on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

“This memorial, situated in the historic city of Kingston, is a place where memories become personal,” Natynczyk said. “Families may reflect. Veterans may honour their comrades. Children may learn. Canadians may pay their respects. This is a space for the living, shaped by the lives of the fallen. And here, against the backdrop of Lake Ontario and beside the watchful walls of the Murney Tower, we make a national promise: that memory will not fade with time. That sacrifice will not be forgotten. That service will be honoured — every day of the year.”

Click on the links below for virtual presentations.

By John Stencell

John Stencell moved to Kingston in the summer of 1970. John and Helen have two adult children, Gordon and Joanne. They have enjoyed all aspects of the Thousand Island life. And yes, Howe Island residents may remember John and Helen as they taught school on the island for several years.

Comments?

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have something to share? Just send your comments my way, and I'll publish them. Don't hesitate—drop me a message at info@thousandislandslife.com. I can't wait to hear from you!