A Layered Tribute to Remembrance – Exploring Vancouver’s Victory Square Cenotaph

Vancouver’s Victory Square Cenotaph is not just a stone structure—it’s a place of reverence, a marker of collective memory, and a testament to the people who shaped Canada’s history through sacrifice. The monument itself, standing tall in the middle of the city, serves as a visual reminder of courage, loss, and resilience. This unique photograph of the Cenotaph, captured with an “In the Round” technique, goes beyond traditional photography. By layering 24 individual images taken from different angles, the photograph presents the Cenotaph in a way that feels alive, layered with memories, and profoundly reflective.

The Story Behind Victory Square: From Legal Center to Sacred Ground

Before it became a site of remembrance, Victory Square was home to Vancouver’s first provincial courthouse, built in 1891. Situated at the corner of Cambie and Hastings streets, the courthouse quickly became a key part of the city’s legal and civic life. The surrounding area grew into a hub of commerce and development. However, as the city expanded, so did the need for a new courthouse, which was moved to a different location in 1911. The original building was eventually torn down, leaving the land vacant for several years.

Following the end of World War I in 1918, communities across Canada sought to honor the soldiers who had fallen in battle. Like many cities, Vancouver wanted a lasting tribute to its citizens who had fought and died overseas. This empty plot of land was selected as the ideal location for a war memorial, partly due to its central location and its history as a place of public significance. In 1924, the city erected the Victory Square Cenotaph here—a simple yet powerful monument that would become one of Vancouver’s most hallowed spaces.

The Design of the Cenotaph: A Timeless Symbol of Honor

The Victory Square Cenotaph, designed by architect G.L. Sharp, is an understated but moving piece of architecture. Standing at approximately 30 feet, the monument is made of gray granite, with clean lines that give it a timeless, classical aesthetic. It’s built to resemble a stone pillar or obelisk, a shape often associated with ancient memorials and symbols of continuity and endurance. On the front of the Cenotaph, a bronze sword is embedded into the stone, symbolizing both the courage of those who went to war and the peace they ultimately sought.

Around the base of the Cenotaph, inscribed in simple, dignified letters, are the words “Their Name Liveth for Evermore.” This phrase, drawn from the Book of Ecclesiasticus, is often used in Commonwealth war graves and memorials. The use of biblical text evokes a sense of eternity, suggesting that the memory of the fallen soldiers is woven into the fabric of history itself. Flags surround the Cenotaph, adding a splash of color and national pride to the otherwise muted tones of the stone.

When the monument was unveiled on April 27, 1924, thousands gathered to pay their respects. The event marked a turning point for Vancouver, as citizens from all walks of life came together to reflect on the impact of the war and honor those who didn’t return. Since then, the Cenotaph has remained a focal point for commemorations, especially on Remembrance Day, when people gather annually to lay wreaths, hold moments of silence, and remember those who served.

Victory Square and Remembrance Day: A Tradition of Reflection and Unity

Every November 11th, Victory Square transforms. In the days leading up to Remembrance Day, the Cenotaph becomes a sea of red poppies, wreaths, and Canadian flags. Veterans, active-duty soldiers, politicians, and citizens gather in large numbers, filling the square with an atmosphere of solemn reflection. The ceremonies typically include speeches, prayers, and a moment of silence at the eleventh hour, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.

On Remembrance Day, the Cenotaph serves as both a visual and emotional anchor. Standing before it, one feels a sense of connection to the past, to the sacrifices of those who fought not only in the First World War but also in the Second World War, the Korean War, and numerous peacekeeping missions around the world. This day reminds Vancouverites and Canadians alike of the cost of freedom and the importance of peace.

An Artistic Interpretation of Memory: The “In the Round” Technique

This photograph, taken the day after Remembrance Day, utilizes an unconventional photographic approach called “In the Round.” In traditional photography, an image is captured from a single perspective, freezing a single moment in time. But in this photo, the artist chose to capture the Cenotaph from 24 different angles, then layered the images together to create a unique, multidimensional perspective.

The resulting image appears almost like a painting, blending various viewpoints into one cohesive yet complex composition. This technique allows viewers to experience the Cenotaph as if walking around it, seeing it through multiple lenses and perspectives at once. The ghostly figures in the image represent not only the individuals who visit the Cenotaph but also the lingering presence of those who are commemorated by it. It’s as if each visitor brings with them a piece of memory, leaving behind a faint trace that becomes part of the collective remembrance.

In the background, the architecture of the surrounding buildings and the bare branches of trees are softly layered, adding a sense of place without overpowering the monument itself. The effect is haunting and contemplative, as if the image exists outside of time, capturing the transient nature of life and memory. The red poppy wreaths placed at the base of the Cenotaph stand out amidst the muted tones, their vibrant color symbolizing sacrifice and remembrance.

Victory Square Today: A Living Memorial in the Heart of Vancouver

Though Victory Square is busiest on Remembrance Day, it serves as a quiet retreat for locals and visitors year-round. The square’s design features shaded trees, benches, and walkways, inviting people to sit, reflect, or simply enjoy a moment of peace. Over the years, the city has made efforts to maintain the square’s reverent atmosphere, adding landscaping and plaques that remind passersby of its historical importance.

For many Vancouverites, Victory Square is a place to pause and reflect, a small pocket of peace amid the urban bustle. Its proximity to other notable landmarks, like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Gastown district, also makes it a popular stop for tourists, many of whom are unaware of its historical significance until they see the Cenotaph and read the inscription.

A Call to Remember and Reflect

The Victory Square Cenotaph stands as a powerful reminder of Vancouver’s past and the sacrifices made by those who served. This photograph, captured in the layered “In the Round” style, is available for free download with credit to Kian Charles Gray Photography. By bringing this image into your home or workspace, you’re not just displaying a piece of art—you’re keeping the memory of those who fought and fell alive, creating your own connection to the history that shapes us.

Whether you visit Victory Square in person or engage with it through this photograph, take a moment to reflect on the legacy of those commemorated here. Each generation inherits the responsibility of remembrance, ensuring that the names and stories of the fallen are never forgotten.