By Scott Bryk – Mississauga, ON
Someone once asked, “When is a tree more than just a tree?” I believe the answer is “when the tree is part of a memorial to honour Canada’s fallen heroes.” The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Campaign aims to plant 117,000 trees along and near Highway 401; one for every one of Canada’s war dead. This living, breathing memorial offers an opportunity to tell the story of Canadian Veterans. It will remind those who travel along the highway of the great debt we owe these courageous servicemen and women.
When a member of our Canadian Armed Forces falls, his or her final journey is over a stretch of the 401 called the Highway of Heroes. This portion of the highway, between Trenton and Toronto, was officially designated the “Highway of Heroes” on August 24, 2007. Canadians from coast to coast have been moved by the images of people lining the highway and overpasses to pay their respects; many standing at attention, many moved to tears.
The time is now to honour those brave men and women, and all those who have made such a vital contribution to our way of life, by supporting the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Project.
This is a long-term project—estimated to take between four and five years to complete—and we’re committed to doing it right, giving our “Hero Trees” every opportunity to survive and thrive.
To learn more or to make a donation, please visit www.hohtribute.ca
