National Sentry Program

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The National Sentry Program 2025 has sentries scheduled to be posted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier daily from April 2 through to November 10, followed immediately by Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11. The sentries posted on November 11 are from the Remembrance Day Sentry Program which is distinct from and complements the National Sentry Program.

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About the program

The National Sentry Program (NSP) increases public awareness that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the National War Memorial, which are both located in Ottawa, are to be treated with dignity and respect.

On October 22, 2014, Corporal Nathan Cirillo was tragically killed while on sentry duty. Sentry duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier now holds an even deeper meaning for both the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Public.

The NSP reinforces Canada’s commitment to remember and honour Canadians who served in both World Wars, the Korean War, more recent conflicts, and have contributed to Canada’s long-standing tradition of military excellence.

The NSP draws Canadian Armed Forces members from the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Army, and Canadian Ranger units, who stand sentry to represent their own unit and pay personal respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is Canada's most iconic and visible reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Canadian Armed Forces members.

On May 28, 2000, the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in the First World War were repatriated from France. They were buried in a special tomb in front of the National War Memorial in Ottawa with great ceremony.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honours the more than 116,000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives in the cause of peace and freedom.

The Unknown Soldier represents all serving Canadians – Navy, Army, Air Force, or Merchant Marine. Those who died or may die for their country in all conflicts – past, present, and future.