Mayor Bevilacqua announces fourth annual Poppy Wall
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Vaughan residents invited to City Hall to contribute to mural project
Every November, Canadians remember the men and women who have served in our armed forces to preserve our country’s freedom and independence. The City of Vaughan is once again honouring their contribution and sacrifice by inviting visitors and staff to write a personal message on paper poppies that will be displayed on the poppy wall in the atrium of Vaughan City Hall until Nov. 12.
Today,
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council, joined by local veterans and citizens,
placed the first poppies on the wall during a special ceremony. The Atrium also
features a display that honours the dedication and service of Vaughan veterans,
as part of the commemoration of the centenary end of the First World War.
The
following is a statement delivered by Mayor Bevilacqua, as he opened the fourth
annual Poppy Wall mural project at Vaughan City Hall:
“This
year, as we mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, we remember
the strong, resilient and brave soldiers who protected Canada with unwavering
courage. During this annual event, and on Remembrance Day each year, we
recognize and reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who serve our
country during times of war, conflict and peace. We must never forget that the
prosperity and opportunities we enjoy each day have come at tremendous and
unthinkable costs.
“The
freedoms Canadians enjoy today are owed to the sacrifices made by our brave
armed forces, who contribute to the cause of freedom throughout the world. From
Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach, to the Korean War and Afghanistan, as well as in
peacekeeping missions around the world, Canadian peacekeepers have worked to
protect our values. There are approximately 600,300 Canadian Armed forced
veterans alive today, including approximately 50,300 Canadian Second World War
veterans and 7,700 Korean War veterans.
“Remembrance
Day is a reminder to pause, reflect and show gratitude to everyone who served,
to the people who continue to serve, and to give special recognition and thanks
to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and our nation.
“The
poppy is a symbol of honour that we wear to give thanks and show respect to
those who fought, those who lost their lives and those who still defend our
country today. The City of Vaughan, with the help of the community, is once
again proud to create a poppy mural to commemorate those who have given so much
for Canada. I invite everyone to write a message on a poppy and pay tribute to
the service people who have safeguarded the liberties we cherish.
“Thank
you.”
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QUICK FACTS
About the exhibit
- Developed by Archives and Records Management Services, Office of the City Clerk
- Recognizes the centenary of the end of the First World War
- Honours the various branches of our armed forces and the local servicemen, women and veterans who have answered Canada’s call to duty
- This year marks 100 years since the end of the First World War
- During the First World War (1914-18), 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 (1939-45), 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
- The defence department also organizes Canadian military commitments to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United Nations through peacekeeping missions
About the poppy
- Since 1921, the poppy has been used to commemorate soldiers who died in war
- Poppies bloomed across the battlefields of Flanders Fields in the First World War and they became the inspiration of the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae – the symbol has been used ever since to remember soldiers
- In 2014, poppies were planted at the cenotaph in Vaughan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War beginning
Royal Canadian Legion
Poppy Campaign
- Every year, the Legion conducts the Poppy Campaign to honour those who serve, and to raise funds in support of veterans and their families
- From the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, all Canadians are encouraged to be a part of the campaign
- During the Poppy Campaign, thousands of Legion members across the country volunteer their time to distribute poppies and raise millions that will support veterans and their families
- All donations to the Poppy Fund are placed in trust to be used for the care and benevolent support of veterans and their dependents
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