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In praise of poppies - honour those who gave life, limb for freedom

How you can make a contribution this Remembrance Day

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 3, 2017
By Simone Joseph





 

 

 

 

 

How can you - one individual - pay tribute to a group of people who gave so much?

How can you honour ordinary people who gave their time, and in certain cases life and limb in the name of freedom?

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua believes he has a solid way for residents to pay tribute to soldiers around the time of Remembrance Day.

Vaughan City Hall is home to a poppy mural. Residents can write a personal message on a paper poppy to be posted on the mural.

"In today's society, it is important to pause and reflect and pay tribute to those who have given so much in the name of freedom and democracy," the Vaughan mayor said in a phone interview Thursday. "It is an opportunity to share thoughts of remembrance and share gratitude."

People can contemplate and meditate on what Remembrance Day means to them, the mayor said. "It's a good way to honour them (soldiers)," he said.

In a special ceremony Nov. 1, Mayor Bevilacqua and council members joined veterans (members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 414) and local students and children to place the first poppies on the wall. On Nov. 1, children aged 3-5 from The Vaughan City Hall YMCA Child Care Centre presented wreaths to members of the legion. "It was very touching and moving," Mayor Bevilacqua said.

The Vaughan Township Historical Society and Royal Canadian Air Cadets were also at Vaughan's ceremony.

The ceremony was also personal for Mayor Bevilacqua. His grandparents, father and cousins did military service in Italy and the U.S., he said.

To honour Vaughan's veterans, a display at city hall features plaques bearing the names of Vaughan residents who served during the First World War and the Second World War. The exhibition showcases, 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.

"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," Mayor Bevilacqua said. "These noble individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace and justice … 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."

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