Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Raymond Moriyama would become one of Canada’s most renowned architects. The Second World War would bring many dark moments in Canadian history, but none more than the internment of Japanese Canadians. Raymond, his mother and two sisters would join 22,000 other Japanese Canadians who would be forcefully interned for the duration of the war. While being interned in the Slocan Valley of British Columbia, Raymond constructed his first project; a treehouse that became his refuge from the hardships and rigours of camp life.    

After the war, Raymond’s family moved to Hamilton, Ontario. The treehouse he built during the war was just the start of much more ambitious and grander projects. He would eventually found the firm Moriyama Teshima Architects.

Raymond's first large scale project was the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto, which was completed in 1969. What followed were many magnificent projects, including The Canadian Embassy in Tokyo (1991) and the Bata Shoe Museum (1995); both well-recognized Moriyama Teshima projects. 

Moriyama was commissioned to design the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, which was opened in 2005. This striking building is the home to Canada’s national war museum and to the memories and artefacts of a grateful nation.       

The Friends of the War Museum thank you, Raymond Moriyama, for such an inspiring and poignant building to honour our country’s war history.

PHOTO BY BRUNO SCHLUMBERGER /POSTMEDIA / FILE PHOTO.

The Royal Military Museum in Brussels was born out of the efforts of a young officer in the Belgium Army. For the 1910 Worlds Fair, Louis Leconte gathered a collection of over 900 objects illustrating Belgium’s military past.

The exhibition was a great success and the authorities decide to maintain the collection. The collection is moved to a former Military Academy at La Cambre Abbey and Louis Leconte is in charge. 

After the First World War, the ensemble grows through gifts and donations by foreign governments. Leconte can also take his pick from equipment left behind by the Germans. The collections are bursting at the seams and a move becomes imperative. In 1923, the Museum takes possession of the north wing of the Jubilee palaces. Louis Leconte, who left active military service, is appointed curator in chief.

During the Second World War, the Germans occupy the Museum and the institution only reopens after the conflict. The Museum then diversifies and creates new departments: Military History, Archives and Library, Print Room and Map Room. With the addition of these other lines of effort, the institution’s scientific character is put into the limelight and concepts such as conservation, restoration and presentation become key factors.

New sections are established in 1972 with the addition of the Air and Space section and, in 1980, the Armoured Vehicle section is opened. In 1986, the Museum welcomes the magnificent Arms and Armour collection formerly on display at the Hal Gate Museum and, in 1996, the Navy finds a safe harbour finally at the Museum. 

The museum is a must see in Belgium, but you’ll need a day. 

Anonymous, in memory of Sean McGrath

Mr. William Abbott, in memory of Russell Morey

Mr. John Anderson, in memory of General Paul Manson, a great Canadian. May he rest in peace.

Andrea Bianco, in memory of LCol Sean McGrath

Cdr Richard Duffield, in memory of LCol Sean McGrath

Helen Edwards, in memory of John C.S. Edwards

Eileen & Roy Pike, in memory of General Paul D. Manson

Mr. Gordon Foster, in memory of C. Mooney

George & Vicky Teather, in memory of LCol Sean McGrath

Dr. Jack Granatstein, in memory of General Paul Manson

Dr. Jack Granatstein, in memory of Justice Horace Krever

Ms. Maureen Leaver, in memory of Captain Gerry Leaver, Member of the Order of the British Empire, First Survey Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery

Ms. Maureen Leaver, in memory of Pilot Officer Harry Leaver, RCAF, Belgium, August 21, 1943

Marlene & Peter Lewis, in memory of Sean McGrath

Mrs. Ida Schjelderup, in memory of Col Roger Schjelderup, DSO, MC w/bar, CD, "First foot in the sand' Juno Beach, 13 Platoon, Canadian Scottish Regiment, D Day, 1944

M. Pierre Sénécal, in memory of General Paul Manson, a great friend, a charming man.

Karen Shiller, in memory of General (Ret'd) Paul D. Manson

If you were unable to attend the September 21st Virtual Forum, Operation Husky 2013 An Act of Extreme Remembrance: By Mark Zuehlke
Watch the presentation on  FCWM YouTube site.