Government of Canada to host Boots of Remembrance ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe

Toronto, ON –Veterans Affairs Canada will host a Boots of Remembrance commemorative event at CIBC SQUARE with the official Government of Canada delegation commemorating the 80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day. The delegation will be joined by Commander Paul Smith, Commanding Officer, HMCS York, Canadian Armed Forces, David Hoffman, General Manager, CIBC SQUARE and other dignitaries.

In 2019, a pair of combat boots – a symbol of the many Canadians who took a similar journey during the Second World War to serve our country – was placed on a train in Vancouver, British Columbia, to begin the voyage to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where so many troops departed for Europe over 80 years ago. Along the way, commemorative ceremonies were held across the country to honour the boots and what they symbolize.

This year, as we commemorate 80 years since the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe, the boots are making a return trip, starting in Halifax and making their way to Toronto to symbolize the homecoming of Canadian soldiers and their return to family and community.

There will be a photo op and interview opportunities with Veterans and other dignitaries following the ceremony.

Location:        CIBC SQUARE
                          Elevated Green Space
                          81 Bay Street
                          Toronto, ON M5J 0E7

Date:               Tuesday, 6 May 2025

Time:              14:00 EDT

Notes for media:

Media who wish to participate must register by 12:00 EDT on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with their name and media outlet. Media members are asked to arrive no later than 13:30 EDT.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs and we will work with you to enable your participation.