A quiet Toronto care centre transformed into a space of poignant reflection as veterans prepared to share their stories and artwork with Prince Harry, just days before Remembrance Day. The gathering wasn’t merely a visit; it was a powerful testament to enduring sacrifice and the healing power of shared experience.
Prince Harry himself described the meeting as a highlight of his Canadian visit, a clear indication of the profound connection he feels with those who have served. He understood, firsthand, the weight of service and the importance of honoring those who carried it.
Inside Sunnybrook Hospital’s veterans centre, a woodworking studio buzzed with gentle activity. Veterans, brushes in hand, carefully painted vibrant red poppies onto wooden carvings, each stroke a silent tribute. Among them was Ozzie Reece, a 75-year-old veteran with over three decades of military service.
Remembrance Day, for Reece, isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a deeply personal connection to his family’s history. His grandfather fought in both World Wars, a legacy that resonates powerfully through generations. Now, his own daughter continues that tradition of service, forging an unbroken chain of courage.
The community at Sunnybrook is special, Reece explained, because it’s a place where shared understanding blossoms. Veterans connect through art, sharing feelings and remembering past experiences, offering each other a unique and vital camaraderie. “We like each other, we look out for each other,” he said, a warm smile gracing his face.
When Prince Harry arrived, the veterans eagerly presented their creations, each piece imbued with personal meaning. The Duke, a veteran of Afghanistan himself, listened intently, recognizing the unspoken language of service and sacrifice.
Sunnybrook’s veterans centre, the largest of its kind in Canada, provides specialized care to over 300 veterans from the Second World War and the Korean War, including innovative art therapy programs. These programs offer a vital outlet for expression and healing.
The Duke met 97-year-old Richard Ratcliff, a master of rug-making, and 101-year-old former pilot Jim LaForce, even joining him in painting poppies onto an army helmet. These helmets, crafted with care and memory, were to be auctioned to support veterans and their families.
A special helmet, reserved as a gift for Prince Harry, was meticulously painted with a stunning Canadian landscape. Veteran Brenda Reid, 101 years young, explained it represented the upcoming Invictus Games in Vancouver, a symbol of resilience and the spirit of competition.
Before departing, Prince Harry expressed his sincere gratitude to the veterans for their service, presenting each with a medallion as a token of his appreciation. His words resonated with respect and admiration.
He urged both the residents and all Canadians to take time for reflection as Remembrance Day approached. He spoke of the importance of learning from the past, of preventing future mistakes, and of truly listening to the stories held within those walls. “There’s a lot to learn here around this table and in this building,” he said, a call to collective remembrance and understanding.
