Closing Ceremonies - The Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers

Walker1 · Veteran Member

Closing Ceremonies

Naamphong · Senior Member

what flag?

Walker1 · Veteran Member

In years past we had a survivor walking up the aisle at opening ceremony carrying a flag with the names of all the people who registered for the Walk on it.

The flag is still in existance each year, and is displayed in the "Memories" tent (probably not the right name, but hopefully you know what I mean). Over the Saturday evening we can spend a few moments in that tent thinking of why we are walking, maybe even find our name on the flag if we are lucky, and sign it as well.

The flag, with all of our signatures, was then carried back down the aisle at the closing ceremony.

I do like, and appreciate, the symbolism of the suvivors walking down the aisle with the shoes of former walkers, but really do miss the Flag. Perhaps we could consider incorporating the flag back into opening/closing as well?

Naamphong · Senior Member

I did not see what area or flag that you speak of...hmmm

Ashley Costa · Senior Member

This was the first year i've found my name on that flag!!

I think it should be brought back as well Donna.

Denise · Veteran Member

I believe the flag was laying out on table at the back -- around where you picked up your t-shirts.

I was a little disappointed at closing this year. If I remember correctly last year the crew members walked in & were allowed to line the aisle & watch the suvivors walk. (I walked last year so I maybe wrong.)

This year the suvivors walked first leaving the crew standing in the back room confuse

I kind of felt left out. disbelief

Walker1 · Veteran Member

Put the flag in my picture, so you could see it. Didn't have time to look for some other way to display pictures on this message board.

Naamphong · Senior Member

what a beautiful flag! Thank you so much for sharing your picture of it. No I did not hear anyone speak of it or see it over the weekend. cry

Walker1 · Veteran Member

It is not really mentioned at any time during the event any more, which is unfortunate.

The first year I don't think I realized it was in the Remembrance tent for signature.

And even then, it was only when Wendy and I walked in Vancouver several years ago that I realized that the names of all of the people who registered to walk are on it. Guess it was earlier in the summer, still lighter in the tent, and we noticed them. Then it became a challenge to find our names...they are in registration order, I believe. That is the only time we have found them....not as many walker names to hunt through in Vancouver.

Look for it next year...but bring a flashlight to the tent to look for your name unless you have REALLY good eyesight!! smile

kazalicoley · Member

I completely forgot about the flag this year... might be because it was gone 6 pm by the time we got back and we went straight to eat, watched the bra contest then headed for the taxi line-up for the hotel.

I'm not sure I've ever found my name on the Toronto flag... I usually sign it along the side... but have found it on the flags at the smaller walks. We've always tried to figure out what the order is. Joseph and I have never been next to each other (or even close) on the flag, even when our registration forms have been stapled together with the same cheque and obviously processed together. Also, we usually register at the event or as soon as we get home, so you'd think we'd be near the top... but I think we've been close to the bottom many times.

I think they should list everyone in alphabetical order... it would be so much easier to find our names that way... that's if we remember to go and sign it lol

Doreen H · Veteran Member

I noticed they didn't mention the flag this year. I too liked it when the survivors carried the flag in.
The first year I crewed and one of my jobs was to set up the Remembrance Tent. I was lucky enough to be the first to sign the first flag in memory of my friend Diane and in honour of Candice, a survivor.
It was very emotional, and to be honest, I am tearing up now thinking of it.
I did not get to sign this year. No time after stretching, a quick shower, firemen and supper. Too late getting into camp after the late start I guess.

Doreen from Ajax

Didds · Veteran Member

The only reason I signed the flag this year is because while stumbling around trying to find the medical tent at about 9 pm (very bad signage in camp this year!) to get some ice I found the remembrance tent. I also think it's a shame they don't mention the flag any more. I would have walked right past it if I hadn't been involved in the weekend in previous years.

crash · Member

I did not like the closing ceremonies this year. Used to be very moving and this year it was just terrible. I kinda wish I didnt wait around and just left right away after being done the walk

augmentium · Member

This was my first year walking for all our team. We all found the closing ceremonies very anti-climactic. We couldn't see much, the cameras panned the crowd instead of focusing on the speakers and it was very disappointing. We all agreed that it wasn't worth stayiing for and probably wouldn't stay again. One idea to make it more personal for all the walkers might be to put together a slide show of some of the wonderul pictures that were taken by the photographer. With technology these days, it shouldn't be a big deal. Also have more screens.