Here’s what’s happening during Remembrance Week in Toronto

Today, Mayor John Tory proclaimed November 5 to 11 as Remembrance Week in Toronto. Remembrance Week is a time when Torontonians can reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and honour all Canadians who have fought and continue to fight for peace.

This year, Remembrance Day commemorations will be held virtually in keeping with public health advice against in-person gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Toronto encourages the public to observe this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations virtually at home or at work. The City will ensure appropriate respect and honour is paid by placing wreaths at the City’s cenotaphs on behalf of various organizations.

“Throughout Remembrance Week, we will remember and honour all Torontonians and Canadians who fought for the peace and freedom we enjoy today,” said Mayor John Tory. “I encourage all Torontonians to participate in acts of remembrance such as the wearing of poppies and observing a moment of silence on November 11 to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The City’s virtual commemorations will focus on the diversity of Toronto’s participation in times of war and significant milestones, as 2020 marks the 75^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and 100 years of marking Remembrance Day with a public ceremony.

Commemorative activities planned for Remembrance Day include:

• The Toronto sign and the City Hall Towers will be lit in red on November 11.
• Virtual ceremonies will be made available via broadcast media and the City’s YouTube channel throughout the week.
• All Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) vehicles will stop for two minutes on November 11 at 11 a.m. In addition, “Lest We Forget” window cards will be placed in TTC vehicles prior to Remembrance Day.
• Commemorative posts will be available on the City’s official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts throughout Remembrance Week.
• The public can show support for veterans and commemorate Remembrance Day by using the City’s Poppies Facebook frame available at https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes and search ”City of Toronto Poppies” to change their frame.
• The Toronto Archives’ 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War web exhibit shares the history of Canada’s participation in the Second World War through historical images from the time: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/whats-online/web-exhibits/first-second-world-wars/75th-anniversary-of-the-end-of-the-second-world-war/
• The World Wars section of the Toronto Archives’ Black History in Toronto page provides information about Black Canadians’ participation in World Wars:  https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/using-the-archives/research-by-topic/black-history-in-toronto/
• Artifacts from Fort York National Historic Site, Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and an 1813 battlefield, can be seen online through the Toronto History Museums Artifact Collection. Search “Remembrance Day” on the web page to view commemorative items, including Remembrance Day programs, proclamations and photos, and military medals and uniforms. https://toronto.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll?logon&application=COLLECTIONS&language=144&file=%5BCOT_OPAC%5Dhome.html

“While we observe the Act of Remembrance differently than we have ever before, it is my hope that all our veterans, their families, along with all members of the Royal Canadian Legion as well as those from the community will continue to stay safe and pay their respects on November 11 without gathering. I hope that everyone will continue to practise social and physical distancing and follow all public health guidance. On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion ‘District D’, I would like to thank Mayor Tory, and the City of Toronto for their commitment to ensure that the service of the fallen and our veterans continue to be respected, especially as we live through these unprecedented times. Lest We Forget.”– Gerry Morgan, District D Commander, Royal Canadian Legion

In addition, Torontonians can view the Mayor’s official proclamation, learn how the City remembers and access a virtual Golden Book of Remembrance and additional resources on the City’s virtual commemorations web page at https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/tributes/toronto-remembers/upcoming-commemorations/.

SOURCE City of Toronto

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