Designed, built, and refined by teams of engineering students at McMaster University, The Canadian Remembrance Torch is our national symbol of gratitude for peace and freedom.
June 6, 2024
D-Day’s 80th Anniversary
The Canadian Remembrance Torch will be lit at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill, then the Torch and its flame will be flown to Normandy for events there. The Canadian Remembrance Torch will participate in the Official Ceremony at Juno Beach Centre and will represent Canada at the international events in France.
Credit: Barry Gray/The Hamilton Spectator
McMaster University
Each year, a team of engineering students collaborate on the redesign of The Canadian Remembrance Torch. This Capstone Project provides a challenging, real-world application of mechanical engineering design and manufacturing knowledge, within the context of remembrance.
Inspired by The Canadian Remembrance Torch
The Torch of Commemoration
In partnership with The Canadian Remembrance Torch, McMaster University’s MMRI built 14 torches for Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) for D-Day’s 80th anniversary ceremonies in June 2024. These Torch(es) of Commemoration—inspired by The Canadian Remembrance Torch—will be used by the nations participating in the anniversary’s international events.
Following the ceremonies, The Torch(es) of Commemoration will be licensed for use by CWGC in commemorative events throughout Europe.
Dutch Replica Torch
During “In Our Fathers’ Footsteps” (Sept. 2022), the Dutch Replica Torch was presented to the Dutch Remembrance Committees for use in community commemorations in the Netherlands.
In 2023, the Dutch Youth Auxiliary was created, with a designated TorchBearer who carries the Dutch Replica Torch.
Torch Initiatives
“The torch; be yours!” (2020)
Launched on Canada Day, with provincial challenges on Civic Days in August, “The Torch; be yours!” virtual campaign (during the pandemic) inspired today’s Canadian Remembrance Torch.
“The Torch; be yours!” gave Canadians an opportunity to embrace remembrance in their own special way while honouring our military, past and present. From Victoria, BC to Dartmouth, NS, Canadians of all ages held tiki torches, flaming brooms, and hand-held creations with special dedications.
Permanent Home & Perpetual Flame
(In development)
This future initiative will create a permanent home for The Canadian Remembrance Torch, with a perpetual flame.
