The National Military Cemetery
Faithful to Canada, and Honoured by Canadians

In 2001, Beechwood became the home of the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. Section 103 is dedicated to honouring the memory of Canadian service personnel who faithfully served their country in war and peace, at home and abroad, sometimes making the supreme sacrifice on its behalf. It occupies 8.29 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain that is maintained by The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation in partnership with the Department of National Defence (DND). In 2003 DND exercised an option to purchase the burial rights to another section, expanding the National Military Cemetery by 2 hectares. It consists of about 12,000 spaces for traditional interments and cremated remains.

In 2007 The Beechwood Cemetery Foundation, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada established the National Military Cemetery. It brought together all those who died on active service, whose death was related to service or who served honourably and chose to rest among their comrades in the sacred grounds of sections 19, 27, 29 and 103.
Eligibility

All currently serving and honourably released Regular and Reserve Force members of The Canadian Forces, members honourably released from a former Canadian Service, Canadian Veterans of the World Wars or Korean War and the Canadian Merchant Navy, are eligible to be interred in the NMC. One designated family member may also be interred in the same plot as the service member. Verification of entitlement will be established in every case.

Registration

A completed application should be forwarded to the DND address below. Qualified applicants will be notified of their acceptance and authorized to make arrangements directly with the Liaison to the NMC.

The Centre
c/o Director of Casualty Support Management
National Defence Headquarters
Major-General Georges R Pearkes Building
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K2

Email : centre@forces.gc.ca

Fax: 613-996-1493

Visit DND Website | Operating Policies of the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces | NMC Application Form (PDF)
Arrangements

Once eligibility has been determined, applicants may complete their pre-arrangements. Beechwood's Liaison will coordinate the purchase, production and installation of a headstone in accordance with specifications that are pre-determined by DND. Graves will not be pre-selected nor will they be allocated on the basis of rank, service, regiment or personal preference.
Military Presence

Subject to availability and according to the wishes of the family, a military presence can be made available at graveside service when conducted within Section 103. This includes an Honour Guard, Padre, Bugler or Piper. Military presence is provided out of respect to the member, and fees will not be assessed for this service.
Contact Us

Manon Bourbeau, Liaison to the National Military Cemetery
Tel: 613-741-9530
Fax: 613-741-8584
Email: mbourbeau@beechwoodottawa.ca