Paying tribute to 150 years of military service
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Vaughan honours local veterans with third annual poppy
mural
“As Canadians, we enjoy freedom today because of the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our country with courage and valour. These noble individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and justice. In today’s society, it is important to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have given so much in the name of freedom and democracy. These efforts should never be taken for granted or forgotten, which is why I am grateful for this poppy initiative that has now become an annual tradition at Vaughan City Hall. It is an opportunity for our community to participate in active reflection by sharing thoughts of remembrance, as well as expressing gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy in Vaughan and throughout our great country.”
Every
November, we come together to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who
have served with dignity to help preserve freedom both at home and abroad. The City of Vaughan is encouraging residents to
visit City Hall to leave a message on the poppy mural in honour of those
who have kept our country safe while upholding the values of peace and justice throughout
the world.
These flowers, immortalized by Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields, are a powerful symbol that demonstrates our respect for everyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council, joined by local veterans, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414 and local students and children, placed the first poppies on the wall during a special ceremony on Nov. 1.
These flowers, immortalized by Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields, are a powerful symbol that demonstrates our respect for everyone who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council, joined by local veterans, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414 and local students and children, placed the first poppies on the wall during a special ceremony on Nov. 1.
To commemorate Canada’s sesquicentennial, an exhibition has also been set
up in Vaughan City Hall to showcase, from a Vaughan perspective, the dedication
and service throughout the last 150 years. Residents are invited to pay their
respects by visiting the exhibit and writing a personal message on paper
poppies, which will be up until Nov. 13.
QUOTE
“As Canadians, we enjoy freedom today because of the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our country with courage and valour. These noble individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and justice. In today’s society, it is important to pause, reflect and pay tribute to those who have given so much in the name of freedom and democracy. These efforts should never be taken for granted or forgotten, which is why I am grateful for this poppy initiative that has now become an annual tradition at Vaughan City Hall. It is an opportunity for our community to participate in active reflection by sharing thoughts of remembrance, as well as expressing gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy in Vaughan and throughout our great country.”
- 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.
- Every Nov. 11, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council participate in the Remembrance Day Parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Woodbridge Cenotaph organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414.
- The day before Lt.-Col. John McCrae wrote his famous poem, one of his closest friends was killed and buried in a makeshift grave with a simple wooden cross. Wild poppies were already beginning to bloom between the crosses marking the many graves. Unable to help his friend or any of the others who had died, John McCrae gave them a voice through his poem In Flanders Fields.
- Prior to Confederation, defence was provided by residents serving in local militia groups under British command. During the First World War (1914-1918), for the first time in Canadian military history, Canadian forces fought as a distinct unit – first under a British commander, but ultimately under a Canadian-born leader.
- By the Second World War (1939-1945), Canada’s forces served under independent Canadian command.
- In 1968, the three branches of the military (Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy) were unified into the Department of National Defence, becoming the Canadian Armed Forces we know today.
- Plaques with the names of the Vaughan residents who served and lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars will be displayed at Vaughan City Hall until Nov. 13.
- Residents are invited to contribute to the poppy wall with a personal message until Nov. 13. Vaughan City Hall is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
LEARN MORE
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council with members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414.