By the spring of 1945, weariness with the war was palpable. More than one million Canadians had served in the armed forces, with 42,000 killed and tens of thousands more wounded or interned in prisoner of war camps. An early report of German surrender on April 28 was incorrect, but it set up an expectation of victory and a hope for peace. Finally, when the confirmation of Germany’s surrender was released on May 7, people in Toronto were ready for a celebration.
City of Toronto V-E Day proclamation May 8, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 340, Subseries 8, File 49, Item 1
City of Toronto V-E Day proclamation May 8, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 340, Subseries 8, File 49, Item 1
Newspaper headline: Germany surrenders Photographer: Photographic Arts May 7, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 340, Subseries 8, File 102, Item 2
Parade on Yonge Street celebrating the victory in Europe Photographer: Photographic Arts May 7, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 340, Subseries 8, File 102, Item 1
Group celebrating the victory in Europe Photographer: John Boyd jnr. May 7, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Fonds 1266, Item 96245
Women on Bay Street celebrating the victory in Europe Photographer: John Boyd jnr. May 7, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 1057, Item 2247
In addition to being happy, Torontonians were also profoundly grateful to all of those who had given their lives fighting for freedom from Axis tyranny. It is very moving to think of 20,000 people gathering to give thanks and to pray for a better world.
Colour party of Civic Employees’ War Veterans’ Association – thanksgiving service at City Hall May 8, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 8, File 309, Item 10, pg.9
Detachment of Women’s Division, RCAF – thanksgiving service at City Hall August 15, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 8, File 309, Item 10, pg.19
Crowd in front of City Hall for thanksgiving service May 8, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 8, File 309, Item 10, pg.10
V-J Day celebrations – service in front of City Hall August 15, 1945 City of Toronto Archives Series 8, File 309, Item 10, pg.3
