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Topic: Highway of Heroes (Read 485 times)
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Eli Aucoin
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A different spin on the subject, for your reading pleasure..........
Mon, August 27, 2007
Letter of the Day Column
By SUN READERS
HONOUR THE LIVING HEROES
I concur, somewhat, with the article written by Connie Woodcock ("Honour our heroes, but not with a highway," Aug. 24).
While I empathize with the families of those who have not returned to Canada alive, I can't imagine why having been killed makes a soldier more of a hero than one who has gone and come home again to work another day. Every person who has died is considered a hero, yet the ones who were lucky enough to survive were/are very soon forgotten.
Some got back home from war and were soon treated even worse by their fellow Canadians. There were no jobs, benefits were stopped, trauma was not treated, etc. The list goes on. It isn't until you're the last of your era (ie. John Babcock, last surviving vet) that you're a hero.
I agree with the sentiment of the Highway of Heroes. Hell, you want to paint the East-West lanes of that stretch red and white or make Veteran-only lanes go ahead. But what happens in 2008 or even 2020 when the war is over? Who will really remember the names of those who died except the family members?
Fifty years from now who will know why this highway was even named? Hwy. 90 between Barrie and CFB Borden has already been "signed" as Peacekeepers Way. I bet the average person travelling it doesn't think twice on the small sign as they travel it every day.
But there is a more important issue that will improve morale of every service person; that will get any politician re-elected and will right an injustice initiated more than 40 years ago. I talk about the pension bill instituted 40 years ago, where at age 65 a veteran's pension is reduced when their Old Age Pension kicks in.
How is it that someone can serve two, 10, 20, 30 years in the military and then at age 65 have that pension taken away from them. Why is it that an MP or MPP does not have their pension clawed back upon reaching 65?
Members who join the military do so at their own decision; certainly now, more than ever, knowing that harm may come to them. Even the ordinary citizen must see that. I shouldn't be given the shaft and have my well-earned pension reduced because of a budgeting thought when I was 4.
All service members are heroes, and while renaming a highway might be short term and a good idea to show to a family that has lost a loved one; the reality of it is that money speaks and by denying a veteran of what they've earned, fought and died for, is criminal.
D.B. (Bruce) Walter
CD Warrant Officer
Proudly serving since 1980
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
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A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Excellent... Red Fridays set to roll along Highway of Heroes Posted 1 day ago More than 1,000 vehicles will retrace the steps of the fallen along the Highway of Heroes May 31. The Red Fridays Foundation of Canada, have spent the last few years, organizing what they hope to be one of the biggest rallies in support of Canadian soldiers. Red vehicles numbering, 82 will make up a memorial procession, followed by the notorious ‘Poppy Truck’ and led by the Red Friday Memorial Car. The memorial car displays the names of the 82 fallen soldiers on the vehicles side panels. Traveling from Trenton, down the Highway of Heroes the procession will finish its’ memorial drive, arriving at Downsview Park in Toronto. Numerous families of fallen soldiers are expected to attend the drive “We’re extending an invitation to all Canadians to participate in this rally,” said Brian Muntz. “We want to celebrate the lives of those who have fallen and thank those that are serving and who have served.” The event will commence on Saturday, May 31 at 9 a.m. in Trenton, at Centennial Park, where drivers are to begin booking in for the drive. At 10:30 a.m. the rally will commence, with dignitaries and guests speaking. A military tattoo performance from several pipes and drum bands will be performed to highlight the rally Vehicles will commence down the Highway beginning at noon in small groups, to avoid congestion on the on-ramps. The procession will depart at 3 p.m., arriving in Downsview at approximately 5 p.m. Quinte West OPP, Durham and Toronto Police and the Golden Helmet motorcycles will help to escort the procession along the highway. “We hope this will be able to become a yearly event, for the last Saturday in May every year,” said Muntz. Muntz added that the public is being encouraged to support the rally by lining bridges and Sheppard Avenue West to help bring the procession to its destination. “You take something as negative as what we’ve been dealing with - 82 repatriations - and you turn it into a celebration of life,” said Quinte West OPP Inspector Earl Johns. As the procession arrives in Toronto, the rally will commence with performances by Canadian Artist Dale Goodie and CCR tribute band Green Water Revival, later in the evening. Event sponsor Grand Prix Kartways (GPK) will host a race between the Canadian Forces and the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units, followed by a race between the OPP and Toronto Police. A fully licensed restaurant at GPK will offer full service meals and refreshments. “This is too big not to get involved in,” said Brian Wilkins, who spent six months as a civilian in Afghanistan driving the base jet fuel truck. “I have contacted guys back there and for the May 31 can’t come quick enough. There excited to see what this will look like.” Those wishing to register their vehicle in the memorial drive can do so by visiting www.redfridays.ca/rdr. Registration will not be available on the day of the event. Those registered must bring their registration number to Trenton to participate in the drive. Partcipiants will receive pledge forms upon registering, with proceeds going to cover the cost of the event, and to help raise money for the Canadian Hearing Society to cover a funds shortfall to assist veterans with special hearing equipment. For those looking to stay overnight in Trenton or surrounding areas, the following hotels have offered discount rates for the event: Comfort Inn and Days Inn in Trenton and Travel Lodge and Holiday Inn Express, Belleville. |
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
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A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Travelling the Highway of Heroes; A police officer's story on the importance of patriotism
Posted By Pete Fisher
Posted 43 mins ago
Earlier this year, a reporter with The Lindsay Post's sister paper, the Port Hope Evening Guide, travelled the Highway of Heroes in the lead police car for the procession of gunner Jonathan Dion.
Gunner Dion, 27, was member of the 5th Light Artillery Regiment based in CFB Valcartier, north of Quebec City. He was killed Dec. 30 when the vehicle in which he was riding hit an improvised explosive device 20 km west of Kandahar City.
Gunner Dion's death marked the 74th Canadian killed in action since Canadians went to Afghanistan in 2002.
HIGHWAY OF HEROES - OPP Sgt. Harry Carrigan has been involved with every single Canadian Armed Forces repatriation ceremony along Highway 401 since 2002, except one.
The Whitby detachment highway safety division officer is up for retirement later this year. He'll be turning over his Highway of Heroes procession duties to another officer who will be taking charge of leading the procession along the stretch of Highway 401.
The sergeant spoke of previous trips and how he believes the Highway of Heroes is the most patriotic thing this country has done in the last 25 years.
He recalled that during one procession, a police helicopter was flying overhead at night and radioed to ask if they could use their high-powered searchlight to illuminate the crowds of people standing on the overpasses to honour the fallen.
How have the processions changed since they started in 2002?
"Originally, Port Hope and Cobourg were the only two (bridges) of any significant involvement," Carrigan says. "They seemed to always have somebody out there. In the beginning, very small groups, but now they've grown. From there, it (now) goes right through until the last overpass at Don Mills.
What does it mean to you?
"It's a great patriotic thing for me. I'm ex-military and I can appreciate what the families are going through, though nobody can imagine what they are going through.
"I do have a handle on why we need to recognize these soldiers. They need to be raised on a pedestal as heroes because they are. Our military is strictly volunteer and these are volunteer men and women.
"These are young men and women who have actually volunteered to go to a strange country and fight for freedom for all of us. For them to lose their life in fighting for freedom for us - we have to get together to recognize them."
What do you think about seeing the people standing on the bridges?
"Canadian unity. Seeing them waving the Canadian flag, being proud of the country they belong to. There are many ethnic groups.
"It's sad to know that these young people have lost their lives and what the families are going through.
It's also pride in the fact that we live in such a great country."
Do you think this helps the families?
"It definitely helps the families. We get many e-mails and letters of commendations from the families. They are just overwhelmed.
"Lately with the Royal Canadian Van Doos, we have had letters from those French Canadian families who have had nothing but sheer pride in seeing what people are doing for their young ones."
Were you surprised to see the number of people on the bridges today (Wednesday) in minus-11-degree weather?
"I didn't expect there would be that many given the weather. However, it just goes to show you how patriotic some people are. It's their way of honouring the soldiers that absolutely deserve it. "For people who wonder if they are seen by the family and members of the procession along Highway 401, I can tell you in one word - yes.
"If anyone has ever wondered if it is worth travelling to the bridges to brave the weather for that few seconds a procession passes by - it is."
At CFB Trenton, it was unbelievably cold with the wind whipping across the tarmac.
The family of the fallen soldier was brought out and stood by as the flag- draped casket was lowered from the belly of the Airbus 310.
Most times I've attended a piper is heard, but on this day a bugler played Amazing Grace.
Once again, for me the reality of it all kicks in when I witness family members walk up to the hearse. A mother's anguish of her son coming back home. Never seeing him again or spending a Christmas with him. It's incredibly sad.
After the service, Sgt. Carrigan and myself got in our black and white OPP cruiser. We were the lead cruiser in the procession of approximately 10 vehicles that would take us to Toronto.
On the way down to Trenton from Whitby OPP detachment, Sgt. Carrigan said he didn't expect too many people on the bridges because of the cold weather. But, as we left the base, we both knew he was wrong.
When we left the base, a lone military police officer stood at attention. Then, as we made our way out to County Road 2, Royal Canadian Legion members were the first ones we saw standing at attention saluting. Then, members of the 1st Canadian Army Veterans, followed by civilians. Fathers, mothers, grandparents who brought children.
While traveling along the back roads to Highway 401, Carrigan pointed out numerous people along the roadway. One family always stand by the road in front of their home with their children.
As we approached the highway, officers had intersections closed to allow the procession to go through.
When we turned left onto the 401 westbound on-ramp at Trenton, members of the Quinte-West Fire Department stood at attention by their firetrucks.
Carrigan says the one of the most challenging parts of the procession is getting all the cars on the highway in unison. For the procession for six repatriated soldiers, traffic was stopped along the highway because there were over 20 vehicles.
Along Wednesday's journey, there were memorable bridges for me in Northumberland County.
The fire departments, police, paramedics, and Legion members were all at various bridges along with many civilians on this blustery cold day.
I remember seeing just two people on one bridge holding a Canadian flag. I thought on other occasions I'm sure there were many others, but the two people standing there spoke volumes.
As we entered Cobourg, we saw an OPP and Cobourg police officer standing side by side on the on-ramp at Country Road 45.
Near the Wesleyville overpass, there was a snow plow on the bridge along with two people holding Canadian flags.
As we made our way into the city, bridges and on-ramps were packed with people. People in both directions pulled over wanting to catch a glimpse of the procession. It is an amazing thing to witness.
When we hit the Toronto city limit, we were met by members of the Toronto Police Service.
They took over leading the procession and OPP officers backed off. Now, this procession has been done so many times, everything falls into place and everyone knows what to do.
Every single on-ramp to the express lanes in the city was closed by Toronto Police officers to let the procession have a clear road ahead.
On the Don Valley Parkway, it was the same; every on-ramp shut down by the Toronto Police until the procession went by and exited at the Bayview Avenue/ Bloor Street exit.
At the intersection, there were two people holding a Canadian flag right outside the subway station. Through the streets of Toronto, once again, paramedics, firefighters and police officers stood at attention.
Carrigan and I spoke a lot during this trip, and one thing he said he wanted to convey to the people standing on the bridges whenever a fallen soldier comes home - you are making a difference, and it's appreciated.
"These are young men and women who have actually volunteered to go to a strange country and fight for freedom for all of us. For them to lose their life in fighting for
freedom for us - we have to get together to recognize them."
Sgt. Harry Carrigan
Article ID# 1030028
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1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Mike Blais
SSM (NATO Bar), CPSM, UN-Cyp, CD
Ultimate 2000+ Member
Online
Gender:
Posts: 3261
A ROYAL CANADIAN "NEVER PASSES A FAULT"
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Highway of Heroes fundraiser dogged by controversy DAVID COOPER/TORONTO STAR Military wives say a private business is running the event – and questions the founder's motives May 31, 2008 04:30 AM Emily Mathieu Staff Reporter Red Fridays were never supposed to be like this. What started as a grassroots movement to drum up support for Canadian troops overseas has turned into a controversial fundraising event and memorial rally along the Highway of Heroes, a stretch of Highway 401 from Toronto to CFB Trenton. Red Fridays – when the public is encouraged to wear red to support our troops – were started up in Ontario by Karen Boire and Lisa Miller, both military wives. "Red Fridays was supposed to be an expression of support, appreciation and pride in our military," said Miller. It wasn't an organized movement, but it captured the public's imagination, and became a grassroots success. Then a new group called the Red Fridays Foundation started up. It has organized today's rally. And Miller isn't happy. "(Red Fridays) should have never been an organization because it was never about money," she said. Red Fridays Foundation is a registered business founded by Brian Muntz, but it accepts – and, indeed, solicits – donations. Boire and Miller object. They say using the movement to raise money for a business is questionable. Muntz says he is conducting the rally to honour the fallen troops and their families. He says he's not raising money for profit – but to donate to charity. "I just want to do what is right," he said. During the procession, a red vehicle bearing the names of 83 soldiers killed in combat will lead a convoy of hundreds of vehicles and a bus carrying family members of fallen soldiers. Event spokesperson Brian Wilkins said funds that the Red Fridays Foundation raises during the rally will go to the Canadian Hearing Society. He thinks the accusations are completely ill-founded and says that, given the high-profile nature of the event, Muntz would be crazy to try and pull a scam. "You might as well rob a bank then walk out and sit on the curb," he said. Meanwhile, Miller and Boire are also concerned that the business used their names on its website, www.redfridays.ca – without their permission – to solicit donations. It took an email carrying the threat of legal action to get them removed, Miller said. Muntz said he had no recollection. The two women later tried to work with the foundation, but they said Muntz broke promises to them about their roles and cut ties in January. Muntz wouldn't comment. He did say that he hasn't "received any donations per se through the website," but has been given small private donations and $6,000 from one branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He says that foundation money has helped "hundreds". He would not disclose in what amount or to whom, but did say the foundation donated $1,000 to the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency. Muntz has not applied to the Canada Revenue Agency to be a registered charity, but says he intends to. The national headquarters of the Royal Canadian Legion, meanwhile, is endorsing the event. Bob Butt, director of communications, said: "We are not the government; we are not the RCMP. But we do have our contacts and this particular foundation, the Red Fridays Foundation, worked out as being bona fide." |
1RCR 1977-79 Depot (Italy PL), B Coy, Mortars, Pioneers, D Coy (CFB London)
3RCR 1979-82 M Coy, Pipes & Drums, Sigs, Mortars. (CFB Baden-Soellingen)
1RCR 1982-88 Mortars. Dukes, Cyprus-Welfare NCO 84-85, Injured, WO&Sgts Mess, (CFB London)
1988-92 Med-remuster to HELL/ 35 DU, CFB Baden
1992 Medical release. God Bless you all!
Pro Patria
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Logged
? Thatfact brings up my suspicions.. you ghave had ample time.. and i am surprised that a Branch of the Royal Cdn Legion hass donated to that.. just due to the fact you are NOT registered. I am not saying you are guilty of any wrong doing.. you may well be perfectl;y legit and well meaning...but , you had best get registered .. and QUICK.. and you best have all the paper work in order...ranrad