"Cross of Sacrifice"
The Cross of Sacrifice was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is the focal point of the numerous cemeteries honoring the war dead of World War I that dot the countryside of the Western Front, and as far afield as Kranji, Singapore. It is a 4 point limestone Latin cross. On the face of the cross is a bronze sword. Originally they were produced in sizes of 14, 18, 20 and 24 foot heights to better fit different size memorials without overpowering them.
These monuments can be seen in many War Cemeteries and war memorials throughout the British Empire, and the locations of many battles outside the British Empire, including Canada, Italy, France and Belgium.
On some, particularly those found in Britain, names of deceased soldiers are inscribed on the octagonal base of the monument.
This Cross is located in the Arlington national Cemetery by the graves of U.S citizens who lost their lives while serving in the Canadian military during the First World War. It is the typical four point limestone Latin cross with a bronze broadsword, blade down, on the face of the cross, and is mounted on an octagonal base. The cross is to represent the faith of the majority of the dead and the sword is a symbol for those of the military who are buried in the cemetery.
Canada entered the First World War against Europe before the United States and many U.S citizens joined the Canadian forces. The monument was approved by President Calvin Coolidge on June 12, 1925.
