Canada Releases New Remembrance Day Toonie
The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a new $2 circulation coin to mark Remembrance Day, honoring Canada’s Unknown Soldier. This colorized coin celebrates the 25th anniversary of the soldier's repatriation.
Design and Significance
Created by Canadian artist Mary-Ann Liu, who also designed Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, the coin pays tribute to this important historical event and the soldier’s sacrifice.
Historical Background
- On May 23, 2000, a Canadian Forces aircraft flew to France to bring the Unknown Soldier back to Canada.
- The soldier was selected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission from Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery near Vimy Ridge, a key Canadian WWI battle site.
- At the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, the Commission formally handed over the soldier's remains to Canada.
- The Canadian delegation then flew back to Ottawa with the casket containing the Unknown Soldier.
- On May 25, 2000, the casket was brought to Parliament and placed in the Hall of Honour in the Centre Block.
Final Ceremony
"In a ceremony that aired on national television, the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest in a specially designed sarcophagus in front of the National War Memorial."
This coin serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and legacy of the Unknown Soldier, honoring their place in Canadian history.
Author’s summary: The new Remembrance Day toonie commemorates 25 years since Canada repatriated its Unknown Soldier, symbolizing national respect and remembrance.