Members of the Toronto Scottish Regiment lay wreaths at Remembrance Day service. Photos by Dominic Sobotka.
Members of the Toronto Scottish Regiment were in Mississauga’s Celebration Square on Remembrance Day to pay their respects to veterans then and now.
Veterans as well as active service personnel came together in the brisk fall air to remember those who gave their lives in the name of peace, the Regiment said in a release.
Even though the ceremony was a moving homage, it brought to light an ongoing difficulty, which is making sure that younger generations understand and are mindful of the sacrifices that were made in order for them to enjoy their liberties, according to the Regiment.
“In a world where the passage of time causes memories of past wars to fade, there is still a generational knowledge gap among young people recognizing the significance of Remembrance Day,” the Regiment stated.
Regiment members remember veterans now and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
They said the presence and cooperation of the Toronto Scottish Regiment were crucial in making great progress toward closing this gap.
“It was meant to be a moment of solidarity, and remembering, and it provided an answer to the question of why we should continue to honour such sacrifice,” Cpl. Dominic Sobotka said.
He said “there is still a generational knowledge gap among young people recognizing the significance of Remembrance Day.”
The Regiment gave a demonstration of military tradition and delivered a living history lesson by standing shoulder to shoulder in silence while reflecting on the past and presenting the colours.
Toronto Scottish Regiment out in full force to remember their fighting men and women.
“The participation contributed to the lighting of a spark of remembrance within the hearts of young Canadians, which helped to emphasize the significance of this particular day,” said Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Kearney.
“On November 11th, we acknowledge and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country as members of the Armed Forces,” Kearney said.
“Through the city’s efforts, and those of community leaders all over Canada today and throughout Veterans week, their sacrifices will not be in vain, and we will remember,” he said.
Laying a wreath in tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Since its founding in 1915, The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own), or Tor Scot R, has been a key component of Canada’s Army Reserve.
It has been 105 years since the armistice ending the First World War was signed. The Toronto Scottish Regiment has fought in most major battles in the First and Second World Wars; notably the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Ypres, Dieppe, Dunkirk, and The Hochwald.
During the War in Afghanistan, the Regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to the various Task Forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014.
Over 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, as well as over 4,000 Canadian civilian police officers, have contributed to restoring peace.