Advisories & News
Press Release
Ontario Celebrates the Second Remembrance Day Celebration of the COVID-19 Pandemic
2021-11-15
PR-2021-65
12 November 2021, Toronto, Ontario – Remembrance Day was celebrated across Canada yesterday, 11 November 2021 to pay tribute and remember the sacrifices of the Canadians who fought in World War I. In Ontario, the commemoration was held at the Ontario Veterans Memorial, in front of Ontario’s Legislature in Queen’s Park, Toronto.
This year’s Remembrance Commemoration was not far from last year’s celebration since the pandemic is not completely over yet and public health restrictions are still in place, including the mask wearing. Like last year, there were fewer attendees and the public were advised to join online via YouTube livestream.
The commemoration ceremonies started with the Arrival of the Platform Party and followed by the usual parts of the program as the Viceregal Salute, the Canadian National Anthem, the recitation of the Act of Remembrance, the playing of the horn marking the Last Post, the two (2) minutes of silence, the 21-Gun Salute at precisely 11:00 am, the Piper’s Lament, the Trumpeter’s Rouse, the Prayer, the recitation of In Flanders Fields, the Prayer, the Commitment to Remember, the Wreath Laying, then the playing of God Save the Queen.
The dignitaries gave their greetings during the program, led by the Honourable Premier Doug Ford. He mentioned that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks on September 11th and the start of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. He added that Remembrance Day is a time for all Ontarians to pay tribute and honor the memory of those who fought not only the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Afghanistan War, but also those who served at home on many missions that provided aid and security to Canadians across the country, as well as the heroes at home during the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The other dignitaries which composed the Platform Party were Brigadier-General Peter Scott (Commander of the 4th Canadian Division), Honourable Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland (Minister of Finance), Honourable Carolyn Ann Bennett (Federal Minister of Health), Honourable Lisa MacLeod (Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries), Honourable Ted Arnott (Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario), Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Glen Hare, Master Corporal Jody Mitic, Secretary Michelle DiEmanuele (Head of Ontario Public Service), Master Warrant Officer (Retired) Adjutant-maitre Garry Pond (President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command), and Honourable Susan Crystal (Consul General of the United States to Toronto), among others.
The highlight of the ceremony was the Laying of the Wreaths by the distinguished guests. Veterans and community organizations, as well as members of the Consular Corps of Toronto, brought wreaths in advance to Queen’s Park to take part in the Remembrance Day ceremony, which were placed along the Veteran Memorial.
The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto was among those who donated a wreath for this momentous occasion. The donors of wreaths were duly acknowledged during the live streaming by flashing their names on the screen.
The ceremony ended with the playing of “God Save the Queen”, followed by the egress of the Platform Party. – END
Bottom photos from left: Lt. Col. Michel Dion, Chaplain, 4th Canada Division led the Prayer while Cadet Warrant Officer Second Class Jane Yang read the Commitment to Remember. (Photos taken from YouTube)
(Photo taken from YouTube)
