November 11 this year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The four years of fighting came to an end after the signing of an armistice between the Allies and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Here is a list of events in Toronto that will commemorate the end of a brutal conflict that took the lives of more than 60,000 Canadians.
Great War Book of Remembrance
The City of Toronto has identified the names of 3,900 people who died during the First World War and were members of Toronto-based regiments. To commemorate their sacrifice, the Great War Book of Remembrance is being made, which will list the names of these individuals. It will be officially dedicated on Monday, November 5 at City Hall. The book will be available for public viewing during Remembrance Week (November 5-11) in the City Hall Rotunda.
Coronation Park rededication
Join members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Commonwealth Consular Corps for a special rededication ceremony on Saturday, November 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at
Coronation Park, 711 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
Coronation Park is a living war memorial that was opened to commemorate King George VI’s coronation on May 12, 1937. The 144 trees in the park commemorate the service and sacrifice of Canada’s military forces and represent each unit that fought. Each tree was placed by veterans of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. During the 1939 royal visit, 123 sugar maples were planted along Remembrance Drive as the royal vehicle passed by. The park is now being restored to its original design as a permanent memorial to Canada and Toronto’s war effort.
Canadian Armed Forces Parade
Starting at 10:15 a.m. on Remembrance Day, 500 members of the Canadian Armed Forces will parade north on University Ave. from Union Station to symbolize the return of soldiers from the First World War. They will march from the train station as they would have done in 1918-1919. Two hundred and fifty serving members of the 32 Brigade and HMCS York will arrive at 10:45 a.m. for the ceremony at the Old City Hall Cenotaph. The remaining 250 soldiers from regiments around Ontario will march to Queen’s Park for the provincial ceremony.
Bells of Peace
On Sunday, November 11 at sunset (4:56 p.m.), bells across Toronto will ring 100 times to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. This initiative, called Bells of Peace, is being led by the Royal Canadian Legion. The ringing of bells will symbolize the church bells that rang across Europe in 1918 for the end of the war. Our local church, St. Dunstan’s of Canterbury on Lawson Rd., will be taking part in this memorable event, and Melville Presbyterian Church on Old Kingston Rd. is hoping to participate as well. When you hear the bells on November 11, take a moment to think about all those who have served.
Remembrance Services
Scarborough Civic Centre
Date: Sunday, November 4
Time: Parade forms at 1 p.m., service at 2 p.m.
Location: 150 Borough Dr.
Scarborough Cenotaph
Date: Sunday, November 11
Time: 10:30 a.m
Location: Kingston Rd. and Danforth Ave.
Metro Zoo
Date: Sunday, November 11
Time: Parade at 10:30 a.m., service at 11 a.m.
Location: Waterside Theatre, Metro Toronto Zoo
Legion
Date: Sunday, November 11
Location: Legion Branch 258, Lawson Rd.
Time: Service begins at 1:30 p.m. followed by a gathering in the banquet hall.