CNE Warriors’ Day Parade recognizes 70th anniversary of Second World War

Thousands of Torontonians filled Exhibition Place on Saturday to pay tribute to veterans of the Second World War at the 94th annual Warriors’ Day Parade.

“It’s a tremendous honour for all those fellas who made the supreme sacrifice,” said Gordon Hunter, a veteran of the war who attended the event.

About 2,000 people marched in this year’s parade. Thousands more watched from the stands as the procession made its way through Canadian National Exhibition grounds.

The parade has been held during the CNE every year since it was established in 1921. The parade is intended to honour the sacrifices of veterans of Canada’s past wars and military missions.

This year, the parade focused specifically on the 70th anniversary of Second World War.

For those who experienced the war first-hand, the procession was a moving reminder of the importance of their efforts.

“When you’re marching and you’re in front and you see all this, it gives you chills,” said Joan Preston, another Second World War veteran.

While there are fewer veterans of the war at each parade, Ontario’s lieutenant governor said the event serves as an important reminder to all attendees of the war’s significance in Canadian history.

“It’s great to see the veterans who still stand tall and proud, even if they’re 90 years old,” said Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

The oldest veteran in attendance on Saturday was 99 years old.

With a report from Heather Wright