‘It’s very important to me’: Muslims from across the GTA commemorate Remembrance Day in Vaughan special prayer

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 10, 2022
Brian Capitao

A large crowd gathered on a windy Friday afternoon to honour the lives of Canadians who served in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in a special ceremony.

Held at the Baitul Islam mosque, the national headquarters for the community, the annual “Muslims for Remembrance” ceremony included members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, young and old.

Part of the proceedings saw flags brought to half-mast around 2:35 p.m. as veterans of all stripes saluted the flag in the name of service to the country. Children could also be seen holding miniature paper Canadian flags to show pride in the country they now call home.

“This is one of the most important events of the year, where we invite veterans who are Indigenous veterans and veterans who made contributions to Canada in a variety of ways,” said Safwan Choudhry, spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. “In Islam, we are taught as Muslims that loyalty to country is a part of our faith.

“We feel that it is one of our utmost duties to recognize those who have the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to make the sacrifice for this country.”

Ahmadiyaa Muslim community observing Remembrance Day

One of those ways to support is to support the veterans by purchasing the symbolic poppy, according to the Royal Canadian Legion.

Donations made from the purchase of the poppy go to the Poppy Fund, which the Royal Canadian Legion operates in a trust. The Legion Poppy Trust Fund helps support veterans with numerous social services that may not be fully covered by the government, such as dental care and some prescription medication.

“The work here today is to support the Muslims for Remembrance as well as all members of the Royal Canadian Forces. We are in support of the veterans foremost, their dependents and the community as well,” said Bruno Scaturchio, first vice president of the Mackenzie 414 Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The money from the poppy helps with everything from housing to prescription glasses and hearing aids, Scaturchio added.

A new addition this year in the annual ceremony was the recognition of Indigenous veterans. For the national anthem, an Indigenous rendition of the Canadian national anthem was played.

Indigenous Veterans Day is observed each year on Nov. 8.

“More than 12,000 Indigenous served in the world wars,” said Mike Giovanetti, president of the Bradford Legion, during the ceremony before introducing the Indigenous anthem.

Scaturchio said the event was a small step toward Truth and Reconciliation. Others discussed how important representation from various communities is for the Royal Canadian Legion.

“It’s very important to me. It’s very important to the CAF. It’s very important to the Legion members and to the community of Woodbridge and Vaughan. And I am very proud of that,” said Wali Mohamed, warrant officer in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and president of the Mackenzie 414 Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Mohamed added that Muslims around the world, especially in Canada, feel solidarity toward the places they call home and are committed to ensuring there is peace and stability in the communities in which they live.

“Remembrance Day is very important. All Canadians should reflect on those who committed their lives to serving in the armed forces and protecting our nation. I think on Nov. 11, I think every Canadian of every ethnicity should take the moment of the hour of 11 a.m. to respect the moment of silence and pay respect to those who are no longer with us,” Mohamed said.