Although an event like Remembrance Day is not really a cityscape per se, I feel it is extremely important to acknowledge the day.
Earlier today I attended the Remembrance Day ceremonies at Old City Hall. The sombre event was exceedingly well attended and the rain actually held off until later in the afternoon.
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.
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.
7th Regimental Band, Royal Canadian Artillery Band, under the direction of Lieutenant Carina LamAretha Phillip, Chief of Protocol, City of TorontoA flypast by The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The flypasts were conducted during several Remembrance Day commemorations across Canada.Remarks from the City of Toronto, presented by Mayor Olivia ChowMayor Olivia Chow places a wreathBenediction, given by Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea, Chaplain, Toronto Police ServicesAretha Phillip, Chief of Protocol, City of TorontoMarching off at the end of the service
Laying poppies on the Cenotaph, end of services
Flowers and poppies on the Cenotaph, end of service
Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth and was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11:00 AM.
Until 1930, Armistice Day was held on the Monday of the week in which November 11th fell. In 1931 a bill was introduced to observe Armistice Day only on November 11, and to change its name to Remembrance Day. The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11, 1931.
By remembering the service and sacrifice of Canadians who served, we recognize the freedom that they fought to preserve. We must remember.
Here are monuments and people from past Remembrance Days in Toronto.
Old City Hall
Originally built after World War I to commemorate Torontonians who lost their lives in services for Canada, the memorial also commemorates those who died in World War II and the Korean War. It was modelled on The Cenotaph at Whitehall in London, England, constructed using granite cut from the Canadian Shield, and unveiled on November 11, 1925.
East York Civic Centre
The East York Cenotaph reads:
Since the earliest crusade, men and women have suffered in the throes of war, not for personal gain or glory, but for the preservation of an ideal that righteous freedom might be realised as a reward to all mankind.
Thus we the Citizens of East York erect this symbol to commemorate throughout the years those who laid down their lives or were incapacitated serving the cause of such freedom in the victorious wars of 1914-1918, 1939-1945, Korea 1950-1953.
Pray that the Crusade is now ended in eternal peace.
Fort York National Historic Site
Beginning at the Strachan Avenue Military Burial Ground on Garrison Common, a procession led by period-uniformed staff and standard bearers of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire made its way to the old cemetery at the west end of the Common. At the eleventh hour, all soldiers of the Toronto Garrison who fell in the defence of Canada, here and around the world, from 1812 to the present, were remembered and honoured.
College Park
This installation is a tribute to all who have sacrificed their lives for us throughout history. The individuals here remind us that these heroes came from different backgrounds and cultures; and gave up their freedom so that we can have ours.
This is an installation by the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area.
In front of Manulife’s headquarters at 200 Bloor Street East, there is currently a display honouring Canadian Armed Forces members who made the ultimate sacrifice. As a gesture of thanks and remembrance, more than 12,000 flags are planted on the front lawn of Manulife’s headquarters. Each flag represents 10 members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have fallen in service.
This display is up from November 2 to November 11, 2022. The gates to the Manulife courtyard are open from 7:00AM to 6:00PM, so you can wander the lawn and take this in during those times.
More information can be found on Manulife’s website here.
This is such a lovely part of the city. I love how they fixed up that square and the fountain…