The tomb to bear the remains of this province’s unknown soldier was unceremoniously lowered into place at the War Memorial in downtown St. John’s yesterday.

VOCM News got a tip that the tomb had arrived at the site in the morning.

By afternoon, Minister John Abbott had called a news briefing to acknowledge the major step in the renovation of the War Memorial, culminating in the repatriation of a soldier’s remains on July 1.

Abbott says the entire project is on schedule despite the numerous agencies involved.

“We’re obviously working with our colleagues in Tourism, Culture and Recreation because they’re working with Veterans Affairs Canada and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to get the remains of the unknown solider transported here and eventually entombed.”

It’ll still be another few weeks before the lid for the tomb—made of polished labradorite—arrives on site.

Abbott said it’s a relief that the tomb has arrived on schedule, after the initial contract with a local company was cancelled.

A video look at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier being placed at the War Memorial. pic.twitter.com/tK2sHpMsbo

— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) April 9, 2024