Memorial Window
Municipality/Province: Toronto, ON
Memorial number: 35091-008
Type: Stained glass window - 12 large panels with lead supports
Address: Hart House Circle
Location: University of Toronto, Soldiers' Tower
GPS coordinates: Lat: 43.6633137 Long: -79.3951214
Submitted by: Major R.B. Oglesby. Terry MacDonald. Soldiers' Tower Committee, University of Toronto Alumni Association.
This memorial is dedicated to members of the University of Toronto who served in the First and Second World Wars. It was erected by the Soldiers' Tower Committee, University of Toronto Alumni Association and dedicated November 6, 1995. The stained glass window has 12 large panels with original crests of Canada and the University of Toronto. The Memorial Window was designed and installed by Russell Goodman OC, Christopher Goodman, and Angela Zissoff, all working for the Russell C. Goodman Stained Glass Studios.
The four top panels represent peace - the torch, moon, and dove with olive branch. Depicted in the four central panels - "In Flander’s Fields", poppies and crosses. The four lower panels represent nursing and the three forces on guard for Canada.
Symbolism in the Memorial Window
At the top of the Memorial Window, the original Coat of Arms of Canada (left) and the original Coat of Arms of the University of Toronto rest above a field of blue, representing the heavens. Blue, the colour of the clear sky and of pure water, is a symbol of truth. The sun, moon and stars of the four upper panels represent creation, while the dove - a symbol for the Holy Spirit - stands for peace and purity. Recalling the story of the Flood, when Noah sent a dove out from the Ark, it returned bearing an olive branch to show that God had made peace with man. The clouds in the heavens are the natural veil of the blue sky and are, therefore, used as the symbol of the unseen God.
In the centre of the four panels is a maple leaf, stylized after the Canadian flag. Dawn, or the rising sun, is the symbol of the Blood of Christ. Through the shedding of His Blood, the darkness of sin was overcome, and the dawn of eternal salvation made the world light. The sun and the light that radiates from it represent God. In the centre, the Victory Torch is used as a symbol for the active attainment of peace. The perspective convergence of the crosses into the Torch represents the collective sacrifice and unity of the Armed Forces to achieve victory. The poppies at the foot of the crosses invoke remembrance. Meadowlarks, which fly high and sing only when in flight toward heaven, represent the souls of the dead.
The images of the four lower panels depict the men and women of the services. The sailor, taking a sextant reading, represents the need for self-appraisal in changing times; the soldier, doing reconnaissance, represents the need for vigilance and foresight; the airman, preparing to take off, represents the need for dedication and trust of others to accomplish common goals. In the nurse we see compassion and concern for all humanity - a consciousness of which we must never lose sight.
From: Stained Glass, Spring 1996.
The Memorial Window is a dramatic feature within the Memorial Room at the Soldiers’ Tower.
Inscription found on memorial
SERVICE SACRIFICE PEACE FREEDOM
Street view
Note
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