Memorial Arch, Kingston

The Memorial Arch was built in 1923 and officially unveiled in 1924. This significant monument was dedicated by Mrs. Joshua Wright, the mother of two ex-cadets, Major G.B. Wright and Major J.S. Wright, who lost their lives in the First World War. Constructed from granite and Indiana limestone, the 48-foot-high arch stands gracefully by the water’s edge. Its sides are etched with the names of the battles in which Canada participated during the Great War, evoking a sense of solemn remembrance akin to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

The Memorial Arch honors the 170 ex-cadets from the Royal Military College of Canada who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I out of the 982 who served. The front, or North parapet, of the Arch bears a poignant inscription: "To the Glorious Memory of the Ex-Cadets of the Royal Military College of Canada Who Gave Their Lives for the Empire." The base of the monument is adorned with reliefs depicting ancient Roman war trappings, adding a classical touch to the somber memorial.

In 1949, two granite pylons were added to the Memorial Arch, unveiled by the Governor General of the time, Viscount Alexander of Tunis. These pylons commemorate those who sacrificed their lives between 1926 and 1945 and list the battles in which they fought. The East pylon was further updated in 2006 with a plaque that records the names of ex-cadets who have died in active service since 1945.

The cornerstone of the Memorial Arch was laid by the Governor-General of Canada, His Excellency Viscount Byng of Vimy, during the 1923 Graduation ceremonies. Within the stone, a sealed copper box contains nominal rolls of cadets and staff, pamphlets about the Arch, the RMC Review of May 1923, Canadian coins and stamps, and the Roll of Honour of the College.