The autopsies which are required for these soldiers who bravely served in the Afgan war are done in Toronto.
The people from across the province know when the hearse carrying our young men, will travel from Trenton to Toronto. It started out quite quietly as things happen in Canada, people started lining the overpasses along the 401, or the official name for the highway is Trans Canada Highway.....people brough their Canadian flags, the firedepartments brought trucks with large flags on the sides, the police lined the highways and saluted the procession as it went by. This route is now called the Highway of Heroes.This, we hope has helped the families who follow the procession to know that the fallen are recognized for their effort in the war.
This week, as we were looking for properties in the Trenton area we came upon such a sad happening. At Cobourg, which is about a half hour from Trenton, we were entering the highway, we glimpsed about 150 people on this small overpass most with flags, just standing quietly, cars haulted, the hearse and its procession of cars moved west towards Toronto.
We were now behind the procession, no cars pass the hearse or the limos of the family that follows its son, father, husband. Every overpass we came to was covered with people and the firetrucks. At Oshawa there was an engine!The engine had the biggest flag, and about 50 people were standing there.
It's the least we can do isn't it?
16 comments :
You have said it for all of us. Very humbling, numbing and for me I fight with my emotions as to why even though I understand the reasons.
What a lovely tribute. I think it's the least we can do under the circumstances, that, and care diligently for the wounded and, of course, pray for peace.
Susan in Texas
That is such a touching tribute, Nanci. We have the luxury of feeling so removed from what is going on in the Middle East in going about our daily business that to stop and recognize these heroes is indeed the least we can do.
The very least we can do. You are so right.
We live in an area with several military bases. Lots of the families put up big banners along the road when their soldier comes home. It makes my cry every time I see them. "Welcome home Daddy!" We do the same thing when the convoy comes by. Everyone pulls over and waves.
Nanci we have something similar here. Our fallen heroes arrive back to the UK at a place called Brise Norton and are then driven through a small town called Wooton Basset. The good people of this town line the streets in silence as the cars pass through and they do it with such dignity and grace. The Queen has bestowed the title of Royal and it is to be known as Royal Wooton Basset. Only a few places have this honour. It is very upsetting to watch. Thank you for sharing.
Shirley.
Oh Nanci, this post brought tears to my eyes. I want all our children to come home safely!!
Crispy
Nanci, it is too sad, we have lost some of our young men too. I won't go into the politics of it all - should we be there or shouldn't we - but our soldiers are treated with honour when they come home on their final journey too.
What a wonderful mark of respect for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I got chills reading this post.
Thank you for sharing this Nanci.I think it's a reminder of what those brave soldiers face every day and the suffering some families have to endure.
very moving.
Brings a tear (or several) to my eyes and well done, Canadians. A wonderful way to honor your fallen.
Nanci,
We have also been witness to a procession along the Highway of Heroes. The people who were lining the overpasses were of all genders, ages and races. They stood respectfully and served as representatives for all who could not be present at that moment to honour the fallen. It was heart wrenching but made me proud to be a Canadian.
Helen (Your P.T.)
You are right, they should be remembered for their sacrifices.
A very moving post Nanci, that is a wonderful mark of respect for those who have fallen.
Very touching .. moving .. heart wrenching. Thank you.
I agree with you Nanci, I have seen this a couple of times and it makes me so proud to be a Canadian.
On another note...what's this about looking for property in the Trenton area??? LOL..Is this for home, cottage or a retirement that is both???? Interesting!!!!!LOL
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