RICHMOND HILL – In honour of those who bravely served our country and to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the end of World War II, flags at all City of Richmond Hill facilities will be at half-mast on Wednesday, September 2. 

More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders, including 150 Richmond Hill residents served in World War II, which began on September 1, 1939 and ended with the official surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945. While most of Canada’s war efforts took place in Europe, more than 10,000 Canadians served in Asia and the Pacific. In total, more than 45,000 gave their lives and another 55,000 were wounded.

Quotes

“On the 75^th anniversary of the end of World War II, we remember the men and women who fought for our freedom both at home and abroad. Their bravery changed our lives forever and we thank them for their service and sacrifice.” – Mayor Dave Barrow. 

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill has a Cenotaph (located at 10,100 Yonge Street in front of the McConaghy Centre) which was erected in 1923 and is one of the oldest war memorials in the GTA. It is inscribed with the names of residents who fought in World War I and II.
• Plaques were added at the Cenotaph in 1998 to honour those who fought in the Korean War and other peacekeeping missions, as well as 2014, to honour the brave Canadians who served and the many who died in Hong Kong in the cause of peace during WWII.
• In 2018, a Memorial Veteran Statue was added to the site as a reminder of those who died on battlefields, the missing in action, the wounded and all those who have fought and sacrificed in service to our country.

Media Contact
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor
ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca