Iconic Toronto sign gets a makeover for Remembrance Week

Torontosun.com
Nov. 4, 2021

The iconic Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square will have a new look this week all the way up to Remembrance Day.

An illuminated poppy has been added to the landmark to commemorate the Year of the Poppy during Remembrance Week which runs from Nov. 5-11.

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“I encourage all Torontonians to take time throughout Remembrance Week and on Remembrance Day to pay tribute to the fallen and honour our veterans,” Mayor John Tory said at the unveiling. “Wear a poppy, learn their stories, and participate in the City’s commemorations throughout Remembrance Week.”

The 1.5-metre by 1.1-metre poppy will be part of the Toronto Sign Remembrance Week this year and as part of future Remembrance Week commemorations.

This year marks the Year of the Poppy, which honours 100 years since Canada adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.

The mayor was joined by members of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“The strong support from the City of Toronto is amazing. The city’s unique visual reminders of Remembrance are very welcome parts of our 2021 campaign,” said Bruce Julian, Royal Canadian Legion Dominion president. “We thank all donors in the Toronto region for their support of our veterans, their families and communities.”

Gerry Morgan, District Commander, Royal Canadian Legion, District D said “these are challenging times, particularly for our aging veteran population, and the Legion appreciates the City of Toronto’s ongoing commitment to ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”

Preparations also continue in Nathan Phillips Square with an elaborate display being set up for Monday, Nov. 8 when Mayor Tory will proclaim Indigenous Veterans Day to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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A poppy is projected on the side of the Peace Tower in Ottawa, Monday, Nov. 9, 2020.

For the first time since 2019, in-person Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11 at Old City Hall, the Scarborough War Memorial, Etobicoke Civic Centre, East York Civic Centre, York Civic Centre and Fort York Historic Site.

Members of the public will also be able to watch a livestream of the city’s Remembrance Day ceremony at Old City Hall, which will be available on Thursday, Nov. 11 starting at 10:55 a.m.