Thursday, June 25, 2009

Highway of Heroes

On a recent trip to Toronto, on Highway 401, we experienced the meaning of the highway's other name: the Highway of Heroes.

Whenever a Canadian soldier is killed overseas in conflict, an army entourage - together with family and friends - brings the body from the military airport in Trenton, Ontario to Toronto.














As we passed through Trenton, we realized that we must be behind one such cavalcade. Supporters waving flags were standing on all the bridges, paying their respects.














Police were blocking highway entry ramps until the procession had passed.














As we approached Toronto, we f0und ourselves closer and closer to the back of the cavalcade. Finally, as we drove down the Don Valley Parkway in the rain, we found ourselves directly behind the police escort.














It was a moving experience - remembering a family's tremendous loss, and seeing this public sign of respect - as inadequate as any public display of support can ever be to grieving family and friends.

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