Not me...
...once is enough, unless they change direction.
The cladding is titanium, chosen for durability given proximity to the sea. The fish scale thing remains a mystery. Overall shape symbolizes a maple leaf from the air...somewhat. Once inside, the pentagram room is symbolic of the Order of Canada (not many of those awarded in '39-'45) though another more develish connection came to mind.
Then the film. Small room. Doors close behind you. Those ahead will not open until you have seen The Film. Minutes of silence as strangers shuffle about. Three walls begin showing oddly coloured lapping waves. Then disjointed flashing images of marching troops, gun flashes, but nothing seen long enough to be sure. Luckily, the hissing air sound at the end is nothing more than the doors opening to the wonders beyond.
Canada in the 30's is first. Interactive play toy displays. Good for the youngsters.
More display rooms, big on interactive (rotating cylinders where you can match a soldier's legs, a nurse's middle and a sailor's upper). Endless combinations to amuse. Shy on artifacts in favour of photo's and posters. Those presented were poorly labeled and seemed to be chosed by availability rather than relevance.
Now, for the point. A long black room with a narrow glass case set in the left-hand wall.
In it are half dozen items. A period civilian camera. A razor. A shattered helmet. I'm afraid my simple mind failed to grasp the universal message being presented.
Move to the end where you pass into a magnificent round bright white room. You see pillars with testimonials printed on them from those who chose to emigrate to Canada.
Now I get it! The darkness of WW2 and the sacrifices on D-day were for Canadian imigration!
Pass through another door to the gift shop (yes, nice selection of books) and exit to have your picture taken by the modern sculpture of a wave-like thing with helmeted heads poking out.
By way of contrast, not far away is the Caen Memorial. Like the Juno Beach Centre, it intends to make a point. You are horrified by war and what man can do to man, yet moved beyond words for the sacrifices made to set things right.
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