Operation Raise a Flag returns to pay tribute to Canadian Veterans this Remembrance Day

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada's Remembrance Day tradition, Operation Raise a Flag, returns with a special tribute to Veterans with the addition of a symbol this year that honours the sacrifices and contributions made by Indigenous Veterans.

On November 11, residents of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, Canada's largest Veterans' care facility, will wake up to a patriotic sea of red and white with more than 30,000 flags planted on the grounds outside their windows. The campaign this year will also incorporate artwork designed by an Indigenous artist, to be planted alongside the Canadian flag; a symbol honouring the sacrifices and contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans in service to Canada.

"Operation Raise a Flag has become a wonderful tradition. The emotion of Remembrance Day takes on even more significance after a challenging year for our Veterans and everyone at Sunnybrook," said Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Medical Director of the Veterans Centre. "Our Veterans have shown tremendous resiliency as they dealt with the unknowns of the pandemic. Operation Raise a Flag will have a significant impact as Canadians pay tribute to our Veterans and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Indigenous Veterans in service to Canada."

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, along with Sunnybrook staff and community volunteers, will cover the grounds outside of the Veterans Centre. All planting and Remembrance Day activities will adhere to Sunnybrook Health Science Centre's COVID-19 safety protocols.

Proceeds from Operation Raise a Flag will provide Veterans with special amenities, enabling them to achieve their best quality of life through continued learning opportunities, innovative equipment and unique programming. Donations will also be used to support enhancements to outdoor spaces such as the Veterans Therapeutic Garden.

Canadians across the country can support Operation Raise a Flag and the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre virtually by sending a personal note of thanks to the Veterans residing at Sunnybrook. Flags are available online at www.raiseaflag.ca with a donation or by calling the Sunnybrook Foundation at 1-866-696-2008.

Sunnybrook will make a donation to an Indigenous-focused charity with the aim of building cultural understanding and awareness. 

About Sunnybrook Veterans Centre
Working in close partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre is the largest Veterans care facility in Canada and a recognized leader in the care of Veterans who are no longer able to live at home independently. No other facility provides such a high level of specialized, compassionate, resident-centered care through a dedicated inter-professional team.

Sunnybrook opened its doors in 1948 as a war Veterans' hospital to care for Canadian heroes. The Veterans Centre is now home to Veterans who served in the Second World War, Korean War and Cold War.

Related Links
sunnybrook.ca/foundation

SOURCE Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre