Toronto honours Yonge Street van attack victims, heroes with special vigil
One year after a man tore down a stretch of Yonge Street in a van, cutting short 10 lives and leaving a city forever changed, Torontonians will gather again to remember those lost — and break bread with strangers who might ultimately become friends.
On Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., the city of Toronto will mark at Mel Lastman Square the anniversary of a day still seared into the memories of so many — from those in north Toronto as the attack unfolded, to first responders, to the families and friends of the victims and those who watched in horror as tragedy transformed their city.
The ceremony was originally scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. but has been delayed due to weather.
The Toronto sign outside city hall has been dimmed and flags there and at the North York Civic Centre have been lowered to half-mast for the remainder of Tuesday to honour the victims.
It was at 1:30 p.m. on April 23, 2018 that police were called to the Yonge and Finch area for reports that a van driving southbound had mounted the curb, plowing down pedestrians along a nearly kilometre-long strip.
Alek Minassian was arrested 26 minutes later. But the impact of that day remains.
Toronto police Chief Mark Saunders tweeted early Tuesday that members of the Toronto Police Service are keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers, and noted that “the healing process continues” for the public, as well as for first responders.
“The response of everyday citizens who rushed to the aid of victims that day, comforted strangers at a makeshift memorial site and brought food to police and other first responders is an extraordinary example of who we are as Torontonians,” Saunders said in a series of tweets posted to the force’s main Twitter account.
He encouraged “anyone who is still experiencing negative effects from that day” to seek help with family and friends, or with counsellors such as those available through Victim Services.
“You are not alone in feeling the pain associated with this day,” Saunders wrote.
Mayor John Tory said he still feels “sick” thinking back on that day a year ago. He was heartened, however, by the fact that so many strangers came together to help each other as the tragedy unfolded, and in the weeks and months afterward.
“That just really showed the strength and resilience of the city, and long should it remain so,” Tory told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning on Tuesday.
The city, he said, “healed itself.”
Redes Sociais - Comentários