Veteran Beong Soo Kim photographed in front of a projected photo of himself and others during the war

Canada's Veteran Heroes

In the past, they were fighting for our freedom. In the present, we continue to honour and remember their sacrifices. Throughout time, they’ve always been — and always will be — our heroes.

Below, view photos of these heroes as they were during their time in the war, and now, as residents of Sunnybrook's Veterans Centre.

Project published November 2020. Photography by Kevin Van Paassen.

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Beong Soo Kim pictured in front of an image of himself during the war

Beong Soo Kim, 86 years old. Served in the Korean War, Korean Air Force

Margaret Addison, pictured wearing her medals. She sits in front of a projected image of herself during the war.

Margaret Addison, 94 years old. Served in WWII, Women’s Royal Army Corps

Clayton Hayes, pictured in front of a photo of himself from war times

Clayton Hayes, 94 years old. Served in WWII, Canadian Merchant Navy

Ken Hawthorn sits pictured in front of an image of himself and others during the war

Ken Hawthorn, 98 years old. Served in WWII, Royal Canadian Air Force

Isobel Montgomery, sits in front of a projected image of herself during the war times

Isobel Montgomery, 99 years old. Served in WWII, Royal Canadian Air Force

Bill Martin sits in front of an image of himself from war times

Bill Martin, 95 years old. Served in WWII, Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve

Richard Ratcliffe stands posed in front of a projected image of himself during war times

Richard Ratcliffe, 92 years old. Served in the Korean War, Royal Canadian Navy

William Peon, photographed in front of a photo of himself from war times

William Peon, 97 years old. Served in WWII, Royal Canadian Army

Jim Lister is photographed in front of an image of himself taken during the war times.

Jim Lister, 92 years old. Served in the Royal Canadian Navy and Naval Reserve

Nelson King is photographed in front of an image taken of himself during war times.

Nelson King, 97 years old. Served in WWII, Royal Canadian Air Force

Sunnybrook is proud to be home to Canada’s largest Veterans Centre. Here, we have the privilege of caring for 375 of Canada’s war heroes who served in the Second World War and the Korean War.

Every Remembrance Day, we have a special opportunity to acknowledge our appreciation to those who have strengthened our country with their example of courage, service and sacrifice.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, as well as the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. We remember all the men and women past and present, who courageously volunteered for the cause of freedom and peace.

Thank you for your dedication and service to Canada.

Lest we forget.

» Learn more about Sunnybrook's Veterans Centre

» Photographing Canada's veteran heroes: Take a behind-the-scenes look

Video by Ancil London

» Support our veterans: Donate to Operation Raise a Flag

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Photography by Kevin Van Paassen
Text by Kathleen Nimigon, Nadia Radovini and Jessica Lepore
Web design by Jessica Lepore

Project published November 2020.