Lest We Forget
Image
Vaughan displays inscribed poppies to honour Canadian veterans and peacekeepers
Remembrance Day is a time to reflect and pay tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of all Canadians. The City of Vaughan is honouring their meaningful contribution by inviting visitors and staff to write a personal message on paper poppies that will be displayed in the atrium of Vaughan City Hall until Nov. 11.
Since 1921, the poppy has been used to commemorate soldiers who died in war. During the First World War, poppies bloomed across the battlefields and became the inspiration of the poem In Flanders Fields. This symbol has been used ever since.
Today, Mayor Bevilacqua and Members of Council, joined by veterans from Vaughan, placed the first ceremonial poppies.
QUOTE
“Canadians enjoy freedom today because of the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our great country. From Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach, to the Korean War and Afghanistan, as well as in peacekeeping missions around the world, Canadians have served with courage and valour to protect our peace and freedom. Remembrance Day is a time to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The poppy is a powerful symbol that demonstrates our gratitude and respect to people who fought, lost their lives and still defend our country today. 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.
- In 2014, poppies were planted at the cenotaph in Vaughan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
- Residents are invited to make a donation to put a poppy on the wall with a personal message. Proceeds go to the Poppy Fund. Vaughan City Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- All donations to the Poppy Fund are placed in trust to be used for the care and benevolent support of veterans and their dependents.
- 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.
- From 1939 to 1945, more than one-million Canadians served, with more than 55,000 wounded and more than 45,000 giving their lives.
- There are approximately 80,000 Canadian Second World War veterans still alive today.
LEARN MORE
Mayor Bevilacqua, Members of Council, veterans, and members of the Vaughan and Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service pose with paper poppies that will make up the commemorative Remembrance Day mural at Vaughan City Hall.