Honouring those who defend our freedom
Image
Vaughan pays tribute to local veterans with public
display
In
November we remember the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our
country’s freedom and independence. This year, the City of Vaughan will once
again create a poppy mural in the Atrium of Vaughan City Hall to honour the
contributions made by soldiers and peacekeepers. Today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
and Members of Council, joined by local veterans, placed the first poppies on
the wall during a special ceremony.
Also in the Atrium is a display that honours the dedication and service
of Vaughan veterans, including the City’s very own Major Addison Alexander
“Lex” Mackenzie. He was a local politician who dedicated many years of his life
to the military and our community. Photographs, maps and personal items of
Major Mackenzie are on display, along with historical artifacts from the First
and Second World Wars. The exhibition and poppy mural will be up until Nov. 30.
Residents are invited to pay their respects by writing a personal message on
paper poppies.
QUOTE
“Remembrance
Day is a reminder to pause, reflect and pay tribute to the men and women who
made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and our country. As Canadians, we
enjoy the freedom we have today because of people, like Major Mackenzie, who
served in order to protect our way of life. Once again this year we are asking
residents to visit City Hall and write a personal message on a poppy to express
gratitude to the soldiers, past and present, who fought, lost their lives and
still defend our country today. By taking an active role to remember the veterans
who experienced the hardships of war, military conflict and peace efforts, we
are saying thank you and that we will never forget.”
- Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK
FACTS
- Each year, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Remembrance Day is observed across Canada.
- Major Addison Alexander “Lex” Mackenzie was born in Woodbridge on Nov. 1, 1885 and dedicated many years of his life to military service.
- In 1916, Major Mackenzie was awarded the Military Cross for valour at Regina Trench at the Battle of the Somme.
- Following the First World War, Major Mackenzie returned home and entered politics – first as a local politician, then at the provincial level.
- Today, a street in Vaughan bears his name – Major Mackenzie Drive.
- More than 650,000 men and women from Canada served in the First World War, more than 66,000 gave their lives and more than 172,000 were wounded.
- Residents are invited to contribute to the poppy wall with a personal message. Vaughan City Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Jim Agnew, Sandy Agnew and Peter Glynn
– grand-nephews of Major Addison Alexander “Lex” Mackenzie.