From CTV News
Hundreds of people gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square over the noon-hour Friday to take part in a rally of support for Canadian troops in Afghanistan.
The gathering is a sea of red, as participants were asked to wear that specific colour.
Those attending included families of soldiers currently serving in the war-torn country, as well as wounded troops who have returned from their tours of duty.
Parents of fallen soldiers were also scheduled to attend the 'Red Friday' event and deliver speeches.
The parents of Orillia's Mike McTeague, who was wounded in a suicide bomb strike that killed four Canadian soldiers on Sept. 18, were also expected to speak.
His father, Sean, told CTV's Austin Delaney his son is still in the intensive care unit at Sunnybrook Hospital and is not well enough to watch the event on the television.
But Sean was excited to be a part of the rally.
"I'd just like to see a great turnout. Our members of the Canadian Armed Forces are part of our community, they serve us, just like the police, fire department, paramedics, doctors and nurses," he said.
"So it's an opportunity just to come out again to (praise) another special group of people who make Canada look good, and to come out and be proud, and say 'thank you.'"
Ties, baseball hats and Roots shirts were some of the red articles of clothing worn at the rally, and supporters waved Canadian flags.
Gordon Lightfoot was expected to attend as well, but it was not clear if he was going to perform.
The event wraps up at 1 p.m.