The torch; be yours to hold it high

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In 2020, May ceremonies commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Dutch Liberation and Victory in Europe (VE Day) were cancelled due to the pandemic. The August commemoration of the official end of the Second World War (Victory over Japan/VJ Day) was marked quietly. And in November, Veterans’ Week and Remembrance Day commemorations were cancelled and/or restricted.

Launched on July 1st (Canada Day), with provincial challenges on Civic Days in August, ‘The Torch; be yours!” gave Canadians an opportunity to embrace remembrance in their own special way, and to honour Canadian veterans despite challenges caused by the pandemic.

From Victoria, B.C. to Dartmouth, N.S., Canadians—young and old—held tiki torches, flaming brooms, and hand-crafted creations—all designed to convey the message: We will remember.

“The Torch; be yours” photos were shared on social media and featured in the commemorative video: “75 Remembrance Torches.”

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Sharon Hope & Mary O’Hagan – Mill Dam, Paisley, ON

We raise a torch in honour of our father, Pte Norman Kelly, who served with the RCASC, Cdn 1st Div., for his role on the front lines and his participation in the Liberation of Holland.

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Maxwell Thornton – Mississauga, ON

For Lt. Albert Thornton who served with the Royal Highland Regiment of Montreal and later with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, liberating Dutch villages and towns like Leeuwarden.

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Tucker Schreiber – Toronto, ON

For my great-aunt Trixie Geary Schreiber who served as a Wren (Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service) and worked in signals using semaphore to message the convoys in Halifax harbour.

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Veteran Don White, and daughter Heather – Oshawa, ON

Remembering & honouring all CAF members past & present, especially my regiment, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, whose service made and continues to make a substantial difference in the world.

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John – Trillium Manor Long Term Care Home, Orillia, ON

As a veteran, I hold my torch high

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Bill & Darryl Wogden – Barrie, ON

For our Uncle / Great Uncle, Sgt. William C. Meyrick of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Uncle Bill rests in the Holten Canadian War Cemetery in The Netherlands.

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Emily Kirby – CN Tower, ON

For my grandpa, Gilbert Hunter, who served with the Canadian Army 75 years ago and risked his life for our peace and freedom.

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Briar – Colborne, ON

I remember my Great Grandpa who fought in the war.

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Montaha Hidefi – Kudelstaart, The Netherlands

I love you, Canada! Thank you, veterans!

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Karen Hunter – Lake Muskoka, ON

For my father, Lt. Gilbert Hunter, who served in Italy and the Netherlands with the 1st Division, Light Anti-Aircraft RCA

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1st Penhold Sparks & Brownies – Penhold, AB

We hold our torches in remembrance.

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Aaron Bouma – Woodstock, NB

For my uncle and many other relatives serving in the North Shore Regiment and many other units in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War – this is for you!

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Adele – Bracebridge Falls, ON

Holding the torch high in remembrance of all the Canadian men and women who fought for our freedom.

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Alix & Gaëlle – Ottawa, ON

We salute the memory of our great-grandfather, Edgar Roussy, from Cache Bay, ON who served with the Algonquin Regiment in Europe during World War II.

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All Saints High School – Kanata, ON

Students stand around the torch in memory of 28 soldiers, whom they researched, that are buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. Lest we forget.

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All Saints High School – Kanata, ON

Students stand around the torch in memory of 28 soldiers, whom they researched, that are buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery. Lest we forget.

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Alma – Kanata, ON

In remembrance of my brother Graham who served for 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

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Simon and Nora Harik – National Military Cemetery, Ottawa, ON

Remembering our great-great grandfathers, great-grandfathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father who all served in Canada’s military.

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Anna Patterson – Guelph, ON

Holding the torch high at the “Remember Flanders” (2015) bronze statue at the Guelph Civic Museum.

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Ans van der Meij – Uden, The Netherlands

In remembrance of the Dutch liberation and of our special bond with Canadian veterans.

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Archie – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Aron Godfrey – Windsor, ON

In honour of our WWII veterans.

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Bernadette – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Bill Hunter – Ambassador Bridge, ON

For all the unsung heroes north and south of the border whose sacrifices to the war effort helped protect the North American way of life. Hooray for Rosie the Riveter!

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Carol, Linda & Bob Wood – Aurora, ON

Remembering our father, Alvin Wood.

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Mayor Cam Guthrie – Veterans’ Bridge, Guelph, ON

In honour of Canada’s veterans and in recognition of Guelph’s 11th Field Artillery Regiment.

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Cameron McLaughlin – Minnedosa, MB

For my father, James Mervin McLaughlin, who served with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Italy and the liberation of Holland.

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Carey – St. John’s-Kilmarnock School, Breslau, ON

In honour of my Uncle Jack Skinner who served in WWII.

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Chris – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Darcy Johns – Dartmouth, NS

We remember our Uncle Gordon Philip Cameron, who helped liberate Holland and gave his life for the cause of freedom.

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Beverly – Kanata, ON

Remembering my brother-in-laws, Wendall, Robert and Raymond Richardson, who all served with the R.C.A.F in WW ll. R.C.A.F and my husband, Paul, who served in the RCAF for 25 years.

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Diane Harvey – Guelph, ON

Remembering my uncle, Sgt. Roy S. Miller, of the Highland Light Infantry of Canada who rests under the watchful eyes of the wonderful volunteers at Groesbeek Cemetery.

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Diane Soule – Bath, ON

In recognition of the many Canadian soldiers who gave their lives in WWII, and the loved ones they left behind.

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Dina – Trillium Manor Long Term Care Home, Orillia, ON

As a veteran’s spouse, I hold my torch high. This is for you, John. Thank you for your service.

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Dominique O’Rourke – Guelph, ON

Lest we forget their sacrifice for our freedom. N’oublions jamais leur sacrifice.

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Eileen Nichol – Caledonia, ON

Remembering my stepfather, Zuli, and his two brothers, Joe and Ernie Sabo (3rd Canadian Infantry) who were in the first wave to fire on Juno Beach, Normandy and survived to help liberate Holland.

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Elaine Fischer & Veteran Alfred Grubb– Teeswater, ON

I could not be prouder of this WW2 veteran – My Dad! He has lived through so many world events in his lifetime. His stories & true love of our GREAT LAND is inspiring.

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Elizabeth – Lafontaine Beach, ON

I raise a torch to honour my good friend, Alex Polowin – RCN, who continues to live the example of service to community and country.

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Eric Brunt – Oak Bay Cenotaph, Victoria, BC

I remember the 415 Second World War veterans who shared their experiences with me on camera. I will make sure their images live on and are seen by future generations of Canadians.

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Ethan – St. John’s-Kilmarnock School, Breslau, ON

We remember.

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Cale James – Maryhill, ON

In honour of my great-great uncle James Earl Gallagher for whom I was named.

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Ian – St. David Catholic Secondary School, Waterloo, ON

In gratitude and remembrance.

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Staff – Georgian Manor Long Term Care & Senior Services, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Gillian – Wilberforce, ON

Maple Leaves and Poppies. Canada Remembers.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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John and Joan Young – Richmond BC

We hold this torch high in memory of John’s uncle, Lt. Melvin Leathley Young who, with the Cdn Light Anti-aircraft artillery, helped liberate Belgium and Holland near the end of WW2.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Kent Fire & Rescue Service – Canterbury, UK

Supporting CAF & VAC. L to R: John Dadd, Stuart Downs, Andy Bigginton, Ali Aldridge, Ben Lloyd

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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MP Terry Dowdall – Collingwood, ON

As we mark the 75th Anniversary of WWII, please give thanks to the veterans from Simcoe-Grey and across Canada. Their courage and sacrifice can never be forgotten. Lest We Forget.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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John McCrae – Guelph Civic Museum, ON

John McCrae’s words inspire us every day. Guelph was home to McCrae. The “Remember Flanders” bronze statue by Ruth Abernethy was unveiled in 2015.

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Staff, Harvest Medicine – Calgary, AB

Honouring all the brave soldiers who selflessly gave their lives, some of them our grandparents and great grandparents. “For your tomorrow we gave our today.” -The Field of Crosses Memorial Project.

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Isabelle – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Jack & Mary – Kanata, ON

In honour of Ewart Peters who served in WW1.

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Jack Soule – Bath, ON

For my father, Signalman Colin Soule, who landed at Juno Beach on D Day; DIA in Germany, Feb.27, 1945. Buried in Groesbeek Cdn War Cemetery. Thanking the Dutch who tend to the graves.

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Jacques & Patricia – Kanata, ON

Remembering family members, Ben Arsenault and Arthur Spark.

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Jane Fleetwood-Morrow – Cemetery, Perth, ON

Remembering my father, John Fleetwood-Morrow, who served in WWII with the R.C.A.F., 39th Reconnaissance Wing.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Jean Gallup – Cenotaph, Empress, AB

For my father, Wayne Howard Arnold, I hold this torch high in his and my birthplace. Dad landed in Normandy on D-Day with the 1st Canadian Scottish Regiment on January 6, 1944.

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Jim Hoover – Slocan Lake, BC

For Private James Earl Hoover who served with the Calgary Highlanders Regiment. “Thanks for our freedom, Jim.”

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Jo Cowan – Guelph, ON

Remembering my father, Capt. David Lacy Cowan who served with the Royal Cdn Engineers, 2nd Div, and his brother, Lt. William MacDonald Cowan, who was a Can Loan to the British Army.

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John Cannon – Midland, ON

On behalf of all those who have traveled with us at Liberation Tours, we honour the service and sacrifice of their family members, whose stories have touched our hearts. Always remembered.

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June Finn – Kanata, ON

Holding my torch high in honour of my two brothers, Ronald and Donald Glasner, who served in the Korean War.

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Etienne and Amelie (Guides) – Juno Beach Centre, Normandy, France

Juno Beach Centre pays homage to the 45,000 Canadians who lost their lives in WWII, of which 5,500 were killed during the Battle of Normandy and 359 on D-Day.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Reese – Cobourg Harbour, ON

I remember because I am thankful for our freedom.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Kim – Sarasota, FL, USA

The Victory Journey Team, remembering victory 75 years ago under the “Unconditional Surrender” statue.

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Marc Burchell – White Rock, BC

For my Dad, Sheridan Burchell, who was in military intelligence stationed in Holland when Canadian troops liberated the country, and at the front when Allied troops invaded Germany.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Vimy Ridge Public School – Ajax, ON

Remembering at Vimy Ridge Public School.

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Margaret – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Terrijane – McCrae House, Guelph, ON

To honour and remember family members: P/O James Trebell, RCAF, buried Africa, WWII; Lt. Walter Scott, wounded, Battle of Hill 70, France; Lt. Doug Scott, army/naval service, WWII.

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Marjorie – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Marlys Collins – Estevan, Sask

I hold my torch at our local hand-carved soldier tree monument for my dad, Edward Mack, who served in WW11, and for all those that served and still serve.

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Tom Porter – Qualicum Beach, BC

For my 95 year old father, Robert Bruce Porter, who served in the Royal Canadian Navy on the HMCS Warrior, Canada’s first aircraft carrier, during WWII.

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Marnie – Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

Remembering my family members who served, including my father, son and uncles.

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Retirement Residence – Kanata, ON

In honour of all veterans

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Norma Walsh Luks – Markham, ON

Remembering my father, John Wilbert Walsh, and the other 2300 Canadian soldiers buried at Groesbeek National Cemetery.

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Norman – Trillium Manor Long Term Care Home, Orillia, ON

As a veteran, I hold my torch high.

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Penny Bell – Toronto, ON

I hold a torch for my father, Lieutenant Col. T. J. Bell of the 12th Field Artillery Regiment.

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Peter – Georgian Manor Long Term Care Home, Penetanguishene, ON

Proud to hold the torch high in remembrance of our veterans and veterans’ spouses. Thank you for your service.

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Rachel Kirby – Toronto, ON

For my great aunt, Corporal Evelyn Hunter Lewis, who served with the Canadian Women’s Army Corp and helped changed the role of women in WW11.

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Saphira – Coe Hill, ON

In honour of our veterans.

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Sarah – Cobourg Harbour, ON

In honour of all who have fought for our freedom.

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Simon – Bathurst Cenotaph, NB

“Thank you for our freedom!”

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Susan Hample – Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Remembering my father, Edward Scholes (Gunner) and relatives who served in WWII and my mother, Olive Scholes, a British war bride who served her community during the war.

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Terry Plant – Edmonton, AB

In Remembrance of my Great Uncle, Private Howard Nicodemus, who died in WWI and for his two younger brothers, Private Leonard William Nicodemus and Sergeant Herbert Robert Nicodemus, who both fought in WWII.

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Thomas Lavric – Sechelt, BC

On behalf of the 2963 Seaforth Highlanders Army Cadets, I hold high the torch!

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Tristan & Logan – GCVI, Guelph, ON

We hold a torch for Guelph CVI students and families who have served and sacrificed. Thank you, Gael’s.

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Julia Kochuk – Vancouver, BC

Remembering my great grandfather, Private George Sokalski, who served with the Winnipeg Grenadiers, and also the many civilians who were injured or killed during the Battle of Hong Kong.

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Wenda & Debbie – Vimy Memorial Bridge, Ottawa, ON

We honour our two grandfathers who were veterans of WWI and WWII.

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