Sunnybrook marks the 80th anniversary of Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day

On May 6, Veterans Affairs Canada hosted a wreath-laying ceremony at our cenotaph, marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day. Residents of Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre, staff, volunteers and members of the public were on hand to mark the occasion, thank those who served, and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Sunnybrook veterans Richard Ratcliffe, JJ St-Laurent and Chris Snider participated in the ceremony, reciting the Act of Remembrance and laying a wreath on behalf of the residents of the Veterans Centre.

“Here at Sunnybrook, we are united in our shared commitment to caring, healing and recognizing the humanity in every person. And of course, recognizing the importance of our history is paramount,” said Dr. Andy Smith, Sunnybrook’s president and CEO. “May we constantly learn from those who have served. The unwavering courage and dedication of veterans here at Sunnybrook, and around the world, is a great inspiration.”

Sunnybrook opened in 1946 as a military hospital to care for soldiers returning from the Second World War. Today, the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre remains Canada’s largest Veterans care facility.

The centre is home to nearly 200 residents, including more than 50 World War II Veterans who are 100 years old or older.

We continue to honour our military roots by celebrating and recognizing the service of Canadian Veterans, and were honoured to mark this important moment in history alongside many of those who served.