Row of wreaths in front of stone wall
Wreaths were laid on Remembrance Day in the archway of Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus.
Photo by Johnny Guatto

U of T marks Remembrance Day across its three campuses

Mariam Matti
news.utm@utoronto.ca
Main News

Community members gathered on the University of Toronto’s three campuses Friday to honour those who served and fell in the First and Second World Wars, as well as other conflicts.

On the St. George campus, hundreds of people attended a cermony at Soldiers’ Tower, which included a playing of the tower’s 51-bell carillon, while hundreds more watched via livestream on U of T’s YouTube channel.

Following an Indigenous land acknowledgment, words of welcome and a performance of the Naval Hymn, Capt. Roland Llewellyn-Thomas, a member of The Queen’s Own Rifles and the Soldiers’ Tower committee, recited In Flanders Fields, which was written by U of T alumnus Lt.-Col. John McCrae.

U of T President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten and Vice-Chair of Governing Council Anna Kennedy joined Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, and other representatives from government, the Canadian Armed Forces, U of T alumni, students and faculty in laying wreaths in honour of the fallen in the archway of Soldiers’ Tower.

A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the fallen after the placing of the wreaths.

At U of T Scarborough, the the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Meeting Place, attended by U of T vice-president and Principal of U of T Scarborough Wisdom Tettey, included a performance by the string orchestra, concert choir and concert band. 

U of T Mississauga held a ceremony at the front of the William G. Davis Building that was attended by U of T vice-president and Principal of U of T Mississauga Alexandra Gillespie.

Here is Remembrance Day 2022 captured through the lenses of photographers at U of T: 

Crowd sits in front of podium outside while man in white robe delivers remarks
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Hundreds watched as Rev. Richard Ruggle spoke at the podium near Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus.

Man stands at podium giving address
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Rev. Andrew Wesley, who sits on the council of Aboriginal Initiatives Elders’ Circle at U of T, read the story of the Cree of Hunters of James Bay. 

Rows of people stand facing the Remembrance Day ceremony, some wearing military uniforms
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Attendees at the ceremony on the St. George campus display their poppies and medals. 

Three people standing at flagpole, one kneeling to lay wreath at base of pole.
(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Maëlis Barre, president of the U of T Mississauga Students’ Union, lays a wreath in front of the William G. Davis Building. She was joined by Alexandra Gillespie, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Mississauga, and Richard Waters, treasurer at USW Local 1998.

President Meric Gertler walks toward camera holding a Remembrance Day wreath with poppies on it
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

U of T President Meric Gertler carries a wreath at Soldiers’ Tower. He is joined by Anna Kennedy, vice-chair of Governing Council, and U of T Chancellor Rose Patten (at rear, in uniform).

Man stands at podium with poppy on his jacket, choir stands behind him
(Photo by Sean Liliani)

Wisdom Tettey, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, delivers remarks at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Meeting Place at U of T Scarborough.

People standing in a small group with poppies on their lapels
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s deputy prime minister and finance minister, attended the Remembrance Day ceremony on the St. George campus. 

Group of men and women in black gowns stand on a stage singing
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

The Hart House Chorus performs near Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus.

Woman in black and red uniform plays a trumpet
(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Sophia Franc played the Reveille near the end of the ceremony on the St. George campus.