In 1928, the ten year anniversary of the armistice, reflection on the war and its meaning prompted activities to promote a national program of remembrance. The Armistice Ceremonial Committee of Canada was created to encourage the observance of Armistice Day in a meaningful way. These efforts led to 40,000 people gathering at Parliament Hill where a temporary cenotaph leading up to Centre Block was erected.

This temporary cenotaph would serve for Remembrance Day ceremonies until the National War Memorial was unveiled in 1939.