Remembering the sacrifice of members in the community

Citylife.ca
Nov. 8, 2023

The City of Vaughan unveiled a new Remembrance Day exhibit on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, featuring families from the community and the impact of war on them and their loved ones who served.

A curated exhibit, Families in Arms will be on display at Vaughan City Hall until November 17. The exhibit can also be viewed online, which includes additional photos and details not found at the city hall exhibit.

Among them is a black and white photograph from 1915 featuring Addison Alexander Mackenzie (from Woodbridge) in military uniform, his sister, Florence Curry, and their father, Donald Mackenzie. Due to the harsh realities of the First World War and the impact it had on her family, Curry trained as and became a nurse.

Another photograph shows the Woodbridge Memorial Tower on Memorial Hill Drive, which was unveiled in 1924. The site shows the names of 26 men from Woodbridge and the surrounding area who died serving overseas.

“Every year, at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, we honour the brave Canadians who served and continue to serve our country,” said Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca in a statement on October 18, 2023.

“The City of Vaughan’s Remembrance Event on Wednesday, November 1, commemorates all who have risked their lives for Canada, whether in war, conflict, emergency or peace. Their legacy is a nation that is strong, proud and free; and remembrance is our promise to them.”

Mayor Del Duca and members of the city council declared the month of November “Remembrance Month” in perpetuity.

The Royal Canadian Legion’s Mackenzie Branch 414 will host the City’s annual Remembrance Day service at the Woodbridge Cenotaph (80 Wallace St.) on Saturday, November 11, 2023.