2011 Toronto Orange Parade
Toronto Orangemen Parade for 191st Consecutive Year
Under gorgeous blue skies, the Orangemen of Toronto and area paraded on July 9th in the 191st Annual Orange Parade in Canada’s largest city. The annual Toronto Orange Parade is the longest consecutively held parade on the North American continent.
The marchers were led on parade by Toronto’s Derry Flute Band and Deputy County Master Greg Locke, an injury having prevented County Master David Griffin from participating. Joining Brother Locke in the lead group was James Bell, Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Canada; John Chalmers, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Canada; Donald Guy, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ontario West; Mark Alexander, Deputy Grand Master of Ontario East and Christopher Gullins the County Chaplain.
Brothers Greg Locke (County Of Toronto), James Bell (Grand Orange Lodge of Canada) and Donald Guy (Grand Orange Lodge of Ontario West) with wreaths at the head of the parade.
Wreaths were placed at the Cenotaph by Brothers Locke, Bell and Guy on behalf of their various jurisdictions. They were joined in the ceremony by Sister Barb Mooney representing the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association. County Chaplain Gullins led the group in prayer as all Canadian servicemen and women who had paid the Supreme Sacrifice in past and present conflict were honored.
Following the 2.6 mile route through Toronto’s downtown core a post-parade social was held at the Moss Park Armoury. Here greetings were conveyed by the leaders of the Association, including those sent by Grand Master and Sovereign, Most Worshipful Brother Roy Dawe. A presentation of a cheque in the amount of $5,000.00 was presented to the representative of the “Soldier On Fund”, a fund instituted to assist injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces Personnel.
Oshawa Branch 43 Legion Pipe Band led Port Perry L.O.L. and guests.
The afternoon consisted of band performances, a barbeque, and there were many games and prizes for the children in attendance. A highlight of the parade was the participation of the Supreme Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the United States, Most Worshipful Brother Sammy Stewart. Brother Stewart along with other lodge members from Naples, Florida walked as guests of Brampton L.O.L.No.5. Vimy L.O.L.2697 of Whitby-Oshawa proudly carried their new bannerette for the first time.
Crown Defenders Flute Band lead Brampton L.O.L.on parade in Toronto.
Orangemen of the Toronto area had once again reaffirmed their faith and loyalty, and were proud to publicly display their heritage and culture. The march was colourful, orderly and dignified and was a credit to the Orange Association in general. Toronto’s Orange Community looks forward with anticipation to next year’s 192nd edition.
John Wells
County Secretary
July 10/2011
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