WHEREAS during Remembrance Week, we honour all Canadian veterans who have served and continue to serve in upholding the peace and freedoms we enjoy today.
Each year, we pause on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, to remember those who paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms. During Remembrance Week, I encourage residents to support the Royal Canadian Legion and its programs by purchasing and wearing a poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
This year marked the 80th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. On August 19, 1942, Allied forces undertook a raid on the French coastal town of Dieppe, known as Operation Jubilee. Nearly 5,000 of the 6,000 troops that landed at Dieppe as part of the raid were Canadian. This raid resulted in the highest number of Canadian casualties on a single day during the Second World War. It was the most deadly day for soldiers with a connection to Toronto, in our history.
During this week, we reflect on the more than 10,000 Toronto residents who gave their lives in 20th century wars and conflicts, as well as those who returned home with grievous injuries or disorders. We also remember their families who supported them during war efforts that challenged our security and freedoms.
The City of Toronto acknowledges the bravery, courage and sacrifices of all Canadians who have fought for the peace and freedom we enjoy today in times of war, in peacekeeping operations, in service at home, and in times of disaster. In the face of many global challenges, we continue to honour both those who have served, those who continue to serve, and their families on the home front.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor John Tory, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim November 5 – 11, 2022 as “Remembrance Week” in the City of Toronto.
Here are some of the commemorative activities planned for Remembrance Week.
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Response by all: We will remember them.
They were young, as we are young,
They served, giving freely of themselves.
To them, we pledge, amid the winds of time,
To carry their torch and never forget.
We will remember them.
Response: We will remember them.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
God Save our Gracious King
Long live our noble King
God Save The King
Send him victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us
God Save The King
Learn more about each element of the City’s Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Here is how you can commemorate Remembrance Day:
The following organizations join the City of Toronto in laying wreaths at City of Toronto Cenotaphs on November 11, 2022:
They Remember
Consulates General and Consulates of:
Lest We Forget