Today, Mayor John Tory and a representative from the Royal Canadian Legion unveiled a new illuminated poppy that has been added to the Toronto Sign to commemorate the Year of the Poppy during Remembrance Week, November 5 to 11.
This year marks the Year of the Poppy, which honours 100 years since the poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance in Canada.
The 1.5 metre by 1.1 metre poppy will be part of the Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square this year during Remembrance Week and part of future Remembrance Week commemorations.
Remembrance Week is a time for Torontonians to reflect on those who gave their lives for their country, as well as honour all Canadians who have fought for peace and those who continue to serve. The week concludes with Remembrance Day on November 11.
In-person Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held on Thursday, November 11 at Old City Hall, the Scarborough War Memorial, Etobicoke Civic Centre, East York Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and Fort York Historic Site. Members of the public are also able to watch the livestream of the City’s Remembrance Day Ceremony at Old City Hall, which will be available on Thursday, November 11 starting at 10:55 a.m.
The City will adhere to provincial regulations and public health guidelines, which require anyone attending an outdoor event to wear a mask or face covering where physical distancing of two metres cannot be maintained. Toronto Public Health reminds individuals to stay home if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Following these health and safety guidelines will allow the City to safely and respectfully conduct its Remembrance Day ceremonies with dignity and solemnity.
Additional Remembrance Week commemorations and programming includes:
For more information about the City’s Remembrance Week commemorations and programming, and to discover stories of Toronto veterans, visit toronto.ca/Remembrance.
The City of Toronto’s Year of the Poppy Commemorative Project was funded by the Government of Canada through Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.
Quotes:
“Toronto unites with all Canadians to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who have served, and continue to serve, our country. I encourage all Torontonians to take time throughout Remembrance Week and on Remembrance Day to pay tribute to the fallen and honour our veterans. Wear a poppy, learn their stories, and participate in the City’s commemorations throughout Remembrance Week.”
– Mayor John Tory
“The strong support from the City of Toronto is amazing. The city’s unique visual reminders of Remembrance are a very welcome part our 2021 campaign. We thank all donors in the Toronto region for their support of our Veterans, their families and communities.”
– Bruce Julian, Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President
“On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion District D, I would like to thank Mayor Tory and the City of Toronto for continuing to show utmost respect for our veterans, those who continue to serve, and all those who gave their lives in service to their country. These are challenging times, particularly for our aging veteran population, and the Legion appreciates the City of Toronto’s ongoing commitment to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
– Gerry Morgan, District Commander, Royal Canadian Legion, District D
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