Thousands attend Toronto Remembrance Day Ceremony

Torontonians pay their respects to soldiers at Remembrance Day ceremony in Toronto

By Katie Li, Oct. 16, 2016  

Thousands of Torontonians, including veterans, and service members gathered at Old City Hall Friday to show their respect and gratitude to past, present, and fallen Canadian military personnel at the annual Remembrance Day service.

Attendees, young and old, filled Queen and Bay streets and stood respectfully in near-silence during the event, reflecting on speeches, hymns, prayers, and poems.

The ceremony’s co-ordinator Theresa Bailie, estimates five to seven thousand members of the public attended the more than hour-long outdoor event.

In his address to the attendees, Mayor John Tory commended the sacrifices made by men and women who served in wars and peacekeeping operations around the world.

Tory urged citizens for their continued support, especially at the upcoming Invictus Games to be held in Toronto next year.

“It is our collective responsibility to care for and support our veterans of all ages,” he said in his address.

Tory also reminded Torontonians to be grateful for their peace and freedom.

“We are surrounded by many fellow residents, some of them refugees who have experienced first-hand the tragedies of war and conflict,” he said.

“We should remind ourselves daily just how lucky we are to live in a democracy where people are free to express themselves, and differences are celebrated and seen as a source of strength.”

For Chelsea Chouinard, the event was more than just an opportunity to remember her grandfather who served in the Second World War, but also an important moment to share with her daughter and son

“I want to carry the tradition,” she said. “I want my children to understand respect, and what these men fought for.”

Gianluca Serratore, attended the ceremony with his elementary school last year and wanted to come again, but wasn’t sure if his class would be attending.

His mother, Margherita Perciballi-Serratore, decided to take time off work and attend the event with him for the first time.

“My child is inspiring me,” she said. “It’s very heartwarming for me to see the old veterans who are well into their eighties and nineties. It’s tearful and mindful of how lucky we are.”

Being at the event was a special way for Gianluca to thank our soldiers.

“It’s important for us to remember our veterans because they fought for our peace.”

For Privates Michael Fazekas and Alex Taylor, both active members of the army, the event was not only an opportunity to commemorate the sacrifices of those who served, but also those currently serving, and their families.

“We’re so busy in our lives that we don’t take the time to actually sit down and think about what these men and women have done for us,” Fazekas said.

“Remembrance Day helps me to give that respect and show appreciation.”

“It’s important to remember everyone’s sacrifices,” Taylor added.

“The whole feeling today, everywhere everyone’s been, has been pretty important. It’s great to see such a sign of support.”