A Promise Kept for Canada’s Veterans

When Prince Harry met Ed Marshall at Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre last November, he was immediately struck by his spirit. They spoke about their shared military experience, and Ed, a paratrooper in World War II, told The Duke about celebrating his 100th birthday with a skydive fundraiser two years ago. Before long, the two veterans had made a plan to jump together in support of Sunnybrook and True Patriot Love Foundation, both dedicated to serving Canada’s military community.

On Friday in Ontario, he kept that promise. Ed, now 102, joined the group aboard the plane, and his grandson Bailey jumped in his honour alongside The Duke, fellow veteran Jeremy Blair, and Sunnybrook CEO Andy Smith.

At a dinner the evening before, The Duke celebrated Ed’s adventurous spirit and the example he continues to set. He reflected on the bond that can form between people whose service took place in different generations and different conflicts, and on the responsibility to support veterans long after they leave the military.

That support takes many forms. Sunnybrook, which began as a military hospital after the Second World War, is now home to one of Canada’s largest veteran care facilities. True Patriot Love supports service members, veterans and their families, including through its longstanding connection to the Invictus movement in Canada. Both organizations recognize that recovery may involve visible and invisible wounds, and that families, too, are part of the journey.

Ed was there for the flight and the moment his idea became reality. The jump carried forward the generosity that inspired it: his belief that an extraordinary day could make a difference for someone else.

There is still time: Support the fundraiser and the work of Sunnybrook and True Patriot Love.