Create a 7 page essay paper that discusses 'The Response'.Download file to see previous pages... Thesis statement: The characteristics, history, controversy, commemorative nature and functions of the

Create a 7 page essay paper that discusses 'The Response'.

Thesis statement: The characteristics, history, controversy, commemorative nature and functions of the Canadian National War Memorial prove its value beyond a war memorial, as a visible example of heroism and duty mindedness (special references to the characteristic, history, controversy, commemorative nature and the function of the Canadian National War Memorial). Basic information After the WWI, the Canadian government decided to construct a memorial to commemorate the individuals who served their motherland during the war. So, the government conducted a competition to select an apt design for the war memorial. Hale (2009), makes clear that “An iconic national symbol, the National War Memorial was designed by Englishman Vernon March, following an international competition in 1925” (p. 161). Among the designs submitted, Vernon March’s design was selected because his idea was to pay tribute to all those who served their motherland during the war. National War Memorial (The Response) is a big granite monument situated in Confederation Square, Ottawa, Canada. The Response consists of a giant arch with a number people marching through the same. Vernon March gave equal importance to soldiers and the civilians who served Canada during WWI. Characteristics As pointed out, war memorials celebrate wartime heroism. But The Response is totally different from conventional war memorials because it represents the transformation of Canada from war to peace. For instance, the heroes in the memorial are marching from war towards peace. But Keshen (1996) opines that “In commissioning a National War Memorial in 1925, Ottawa wished to promote “the spirit of heroism...exemplified in the lives of those (who) sacrificed”” (p. 194). The mastermind behind the memorial did not neglect the civilians to served Canada during WWI. The Response is with unique characteristics different from other war memorials. For instance, it helps the people to remember the individuals (say, known and unknown) who served their motherland. So, The Response was rededicated to the wartime heroes who served Canada during WWII, the Korean War etc. Another characteristic of The Response is that it represents the transformation of personal memory to a broader context, i.e. collective memory of the society. Personal memory of an individual who served his or her motherland is limited to one’s private circle. When personal memory is superimposed into the context of collective memory of the society (say, with the help of a memorial building or a statue), remembrance becomes long lasting. The individual or individuals become the symbol of national pride and heroism. At the same time, The Response does not glorify war because it represents the transformation of a society from war related atrocities to peace. In short, The Response is symbolic of Canada’s transformation from a colony to a powerful nation in the North American continent. History The history of The Response is interconnected with Canada’s participation in the World Wars and the Korean War. Brockman (2011), makes clear that “On Ottawa’s Confederation Square, the Canadians erected The Response, built to remember those who served and died in World War I” (p. 600). The large number of war memorials in Canada proves that the Canadian’s are not ready to forget their past.