Topic: Let's officially designate 'Highway of Heroes'

[RJS2511885]

Hi,

Please see the comments below that I received from a Military Police colleague who recently participated in a police escort of a soldier's funeral procession from Trenton to Toronto. The name of this MP has been removed for privacy reasons but as you can see by reading this document it was a deeply moving experience.

Regards,

RJS

************************************************************
By LCol XXXXXX, Cdn Forces Military Police
 

            I had the honour of recently attending the Repatriation Ceremony for our fallen heroes

last night at 8 Wing Trenton, and, although words cannot possibly do justice to this

heart-wrenching experience, I thought it important to describe the overwhelming--and I mean

overwhelming--support provided by law enforcement, fire services, ambulance services and,

indeed, the public at large for this very solemn occasion. The procession included over twenty

vehicles and had to be at least one km in length.  Cpl XXXX, SLt XXXXXX, and I were in the

rear escort Military Police vehicle. I could not believe my eyes as we made the solemn journey from 8

Wing to the Coroner's Office in Toronto.

We were escorted by at least six or seven OPP cars and two motorcycles until we arrived in

Toronto, and then Durham Regional Police, and then Toronto Police Services picked up the

escort/traffic control duties.  Every overpass along the almost 200 kms of Hwy 401 had

emergency services vehicles with lights flashing, members saluting, and citizens waving

Canadian flags.  Every on ramp had a police vehicle blocking traffic, with members standing

by the vehicles saluting.  Entire police detachments stood along the route, saluting in front of

their vehicles.  Firehalls had their trucks out, with their members in full dress uniform out front

paying respects to our comrades.  People stopped their cars along the side of the road, got out

and saluted or held their hands over their hearts.  As we neared downtown, the streets were

lined with crowds waving Canadian flags and paying their respects.  The outpouring of support

for our fallen heroes and their families was beyond belief; never before have I been as proud to

wear this uniform.

 
            Finally, this would not have been possible without the OUTSTANDING support of our

fellow police officers from the OPP and Toronto Police Services.  All of the police officers who

supported this solemn occasion--and I would put a very conservative estimate at over 500--did

so on their own time.  They were volunteers.  The Ontario Provincial Police (in particular Quinte

West Det and Whitby Detachments), Durham Regional Police, and Toronto Metro Police--they

all deserve special mention for their outstanding efforts and their amazing show of support.

 

            This experience will remain with me for the rest of my life.  I truly hope I never get the

opportunity again; however, should such a tragedy once again befall our brave soldiers,

sailors and airmen/women, it is comforting to know that Canada's quiet patriotism is very much

alive and well--the torch burns bright and strong. 

 

[Gronk]

Very touching indeed.

[Quag]

WOW...That's one of those letters that you have to take a second to catch your breath with.

This should be passed on to local media, and the emergency services that were participants in this ultimate show of respect and patriotism.

I'm still a little blown away...

[recceguy]

It's a done deal. The news just reported the Ontario MOT has announced it as 'Hero's Highway'

[Quag]

Simply amazing!  However, I hope it never gets used again (in the specific context).

[D Squared]

Quag..I agree.
Thanks for sharing the comments  RJS.  Very moving.

[Strike]

That was a beautiful letter, and I am not ashamed to say that there is a tear falling down my face right now.

Hearing the stories of all those people who might not even know anyone in the military but take time out of their day to stand watch is so heatwarming.  Let's hope they never have to do it again but, if they should, we know our people are truly getting the respectful send-off they deserve.

[CdnArtyWife]

I am very happy that the stretch of highway will be renamed.

I've heard the stories, and have seen the pictures that my hubby brought home while on his Escort duties, and I can't help but hitch a breath and wipe the tears each time.

I pray that the stretch of highway may never be used in the same manner again, but if it is, at least it will be aptly named.

Thankyou to forcerecon85 for spearheading that online petition.

Cheers,

CAW

Edit: spelling

[milnews.ca]

A bit more of the latest (BTW, JF, well done -- just curious re:  how accurately were you quoted?), with the usual disclaimer....

Ontario to dedicate Highway of Heroes in honour of soldiers felled in Afghanistan
MELISSA JUERGENSEN, Canadian Press, 23 Aug 07
Article link

A stretch of Ontario highway that's become a sombre repatriation route for soldiers felled in Afghanistan, drawing impromptu gatherings of mourners saluting that sacrifice, is set to be renamed in their honour, the province said Thursday. The 170-kilometre stretch of Highway 401 between the eastern Ontario airbase where the flag-drapped coffins of fallen soldiers arrive and the forensics centre in Toronto that receives them has been dubbed the Highway of Heroes.

More than 14,000 people have signed an electronic petition to officially rename that stretch of highway, where people gather on overpasses to wave flags, display placards of support, and salute the processions of hearses and limousines.

On Thursday, Ontario Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield said there were "no barriers to making this happen."

"I think when you consider the sacrifice that the soldiers and others have made, it's just a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on that sacrifice and to be able to acknowledge it," Cansfield said in a phone interview.

"There's no reason not to do it. All we need to do now is get into the process of how quickly we can do it."

Highway 401, the country's busiest, is currently named the MacDonald-Cartier Freeway. The government says it's considering several options in terms of dedicating a portion of the highway.

"We don't know whether we rename one little part of it or if we leave the name and have that part of it dedicated," said Jamie Rilett, Cansfield's spokesman.

"We're kind of early in the process to know which direction it's going to go, but there'll definitely be something dedicating that part of the highway to the fallen soldiers."

The cost to dedicate the highway with signs will be minimal, Rilett added.

Cansfield said the call to dedicate the highway came to her attention Wednesday when she was told about the online petition.

James Forbes, 22, who's behind the petition said he's surprised he's attracted so much attention.

"I am so happy," said Forbes, a London, Ont., resident who said he one day plans to enlist in the military.

Forbes said he's received a lot of feedback from military families who've travelled along Highway 401 following repatriation ceremonies at CFB Trenton.

"It seriously means absolutely everything to them," Forbes said of the public displays of support. "It just shows the families that the country feels for their loss."

Cansfield and Premier Dalton McGuinty are expected to discuss the highway dedication on Friday. McGuinty was previously involved in changing the name of an Ottawa highway to Veterans Memorial Highway ....

[Franky]

I sincerely hope you thank Jeff  tommorrow...Franky

[MIKsam]

The poll voting is still continuing and one of the members of AOAC (Agent Orange Association of Canada) just reported that the vote is now at

56% YES!!!  44% no

My son and grandson have just returned to Canada safe and sound... this has become important to me because my boys are back safe and sound so I am feeling a bit guilty that my family was so blessed while other families have and are still going thru the sadnesses of loss. I am grateful that so many are supporting these soldiers and their families....

[geo]

RJS,
Thanks much for sharing that letter.

CHIMO!

[Snowbird57]

Great Idea!

But our heroes that leave Trenton do not only leave in a Western direction. 

Why not rename the stretch starting in Kingston (CFB), or from the 416 (Veterans Highway) or even from the Quebec border?

[Good2Golf]

Snowbird, I believe the point is honouring the dead soldiers during their journey from Trenton to the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto.  This is the first travel in Canada after being airlifted home.

G2G


*edit to correct OCFS name*

[foxhound031]

I believe the point in renaming the highway is in recognition of our fallen comrades.  When they return to Canada at Trenton, yes they do go only in a western direction because they have to go to Toronto for the autopsy.  We all understand that when the soldiers return from their mission, they go in all directions based on where they are posted, but the naming of the highway is because, unfortunately, there have been 69 funeral processions that have travelled that highway to Toronto.