It was a Warriors’ Day Parade that Second World War Veteran Ed Stafford will never forget.
This year would have marked Stafford’s 61st-year of marching in the Annual August 21 CNE Warriors’ Day Parade, which has been taking place for almost 100 years at the lakefront park.
The parade was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Next year will mark its 100th year anniversary on the CNE grounds.
Stafford was joined by friends, neighbours and officers from 22 Division, who made his day by taking him for a ride in a 1944 Ford Lynx 11 scout car, courtesy of the Ontario Military Vehicle Association.
He served through the war and proudly served as Governor General’s Horse Guards.
“We congratulate Ed and wish him many more years of proudly marching in Warriors’ Day parade,” police wrote on social media. “We were honoured to be part of today’s parade to honour Ed.”
This year there was a virtual tribute to the Warriors’ Day Parade, our veterans, and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The CNE says they look forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade on August 21, 2021.
It is the longest running veterans’ parade in the free world and has been a part of the CNE since 1921.
There is also a petition circulating online to encourage Canada Post and The Royal Canadian Mint to issue a commemorative stamp and coin to mark 100-years of the CNE honouring our veterans.
Further information about the Warriors’ Day Parade can be found at www.thewarriorsdayparade.ca