Heroes of Suicide march and vigil in East York paid tribute to veterans and first responders

By MARQUS DOWNEY

The 10th annual Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Vigil took place on Sunday Sept. 28, in East York.

Hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch 10, the event is held in honour of first responders and military veterans who have lost their battles to mental health as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The march and vigil also helps to raise awareness about the mental health challenges that first responders and members of the Canadian Armed Forces face.

Along with military veterans and those still serving, members of the  Toronto Police Service, Toronto Paramedic Services, and Toronto Fire Services were also present at the Sept. 28 march and vigil. Alongside them stood friends and families.

PJ O’Neill, Immediate Past President of the Todmorden Legion, thanked everyone for coming to Sunday’s event and spoke about raising awareness of mental health challenges for those in public service.

“This event honours Canadian Armed Forces members, as well as first responders and others serving our cities and communities who have lost their battle to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said O’Neill.

The Memorial March started at 6:30 p.m. with a parade from Todmorden Lane and Gamble Avenue, and then along Pape Avenue to the Todmorden Legion on Pape Avenue.

The Candlelight Vigil took place after the parade and included the passing of a torch from older to newer generations from the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as a rededication of the Soldiers of Suicide (SOS) Memorial Plaque at the Todmorden Legion..

Marqus Downey covered Sunday’s march and vigil for Beach Metro Community News. Below are some more of his photos: