Hill’s Florist & Gift Baskets is a Bloorcourt Village fixture and family business finalizing plans for its 80th anniversary open-house celebrations on November 30th. Prior to that event owner Lisa Hill-Callas had something else in mind – honouring veterans, including her deceased father, with a touching Remembrance Day-themed display in the large south-east facing window of this historic corner shop on Bloor St. West near Christie Pits Park.
Below a large red poppy is a framed picture of Lisa’s father, William George Hill (1922-2001) in his army uniform, and a note “Lest We Forget”. Mr. Hill had a dangerous job in the war, working with explosives. Semi-retired, he continued to work with Lisa and other family members part-time until his death in 2001.
A long-time friend of the family and customer, Shirley Jean Wood, aged 70, contributed to the display with a handwritten poem transcribed here:
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A Prayer for the Veterans, for the Dear Soldiers of War
God Bless them brave and gallant soldiers, Lord,
who fought in the last two world wars.
They fought so mankind could live.
It was ever so very sad and tragic,
the friends and loved ones
that were left lying in Flanders Fields…
Now wouldn’t it just be wonderful
if the soldiers all over the world
would put down their weapons and instead
shake the enemy’s hand.
So Precious Father,
when the soldiers come calling at Heaven’s door
please open up a special room for them all
and give them eternal peace and loving joy.
In Jesus Christ’s name
Amen
c. 2013 Shirley Jean Wood
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Last updated: Nov. 9, 2013.