St. John's, Newfoundland: National War Memorial

It's rather surprising to see a War Memorial in the middle of downtown, if only because of space. There isn't a great deal of it on Water Street in St. John's, yet there it stands. Size, however, doesn't matter. The area still carries plenty of significance for the natives.

Supposedly, the park-like setting is where Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland for Canada in 1583. But the focus started to change on July 1, 1916. That's when the Royal Newfoundland Regiment was essentially part of a slaughter of the Allied forces in World War I's Battle of the Somme. Within 30 minutes, 86 percent of the regiment was said to be dead, missing or injured. The next day, 68 reported for duty out of 800 soldiers. 

Once the war was over, a fund-raising effort before to try to build a tribute to those who paid the ultimate price. It worked, and the War Memorial was dedicated in 1924. About 20,000 people turned out for the event, which was 10 percent of Newfoundland's population. July 1 became Memorial Day in Newfoundland. 

Much happened in the 100 years after that ceremony. For the centennial, it was decided to add a tomb for an unknown soldier. Usually only one such grave per nation is allowed, but Newfoundland received an exemption - probably because it wasn't part of Canada then. Now Newfoundland celebrates Canada Day with the rest of country on July 1, but also observes Memorial Day at the same time. Talk about conflicting emotions. 

Other holidays with a military theme are noted at the park. If you go for a walk along the waterfront, and you should, this should be a stop,