Highway of heroes

Posted: Monday, November 10, 2008 1:36 PM by Sam Singal

By Kevin Tibbles, NBC News correspondent

It is not often that you witness something for the first time, and find yourself being moved to tears.

But, that is exactly how I responded one day last summer as I was driving down a stretch of highway outside of Toronto.

I noticed a few people on the overpass standing with flags.

On the next bridge, same thing.

Then there was a bridge with a fire truck on it, and more flags, and more people. Essentially I had driven, I dunno...50 or 60 miles...and there were people gathered on every single bridge.

Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, pickups, sedans...moms, dads, the elderly, kids.

When I finally got to my own mother's house I asked her what was going on. "It's not a holiday? Is there a celebrity coming? What's with all the people on the bridges?".

She told me that stretch of highway 401 is now referred to as 'The Highway of Heroes'.

Each time a Canadian soldier dies in Afghanistan, fighting alongside Americans in the war on terror, people simply gather on the bridges out of respect.

They stand, maybe salute, maybe wave a flag, to show the fallen combatants family they are not alone.

It isn't political. It isn't organized. It doesn't cost a cent. And yet hundreds of ordinary people come to stand and say 'thanks' each time the body of a soldier comes by.

As we prepare to mark Veterans Day, or Remembrance Day as it is called in Canada, here is a grassroots movement that has simply grown out of respect for those who put their lives on the line.... Lest We Forget.

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Comments

Quite simply put, "We are proud to be Canadian and proud of our Canadians." Our family stands each time a soldier comes home.

The Stroeder Family - Cobourg, Ontario

Stroeders, Cobourg, Ontario (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:58 PM)

how beautiful! So glad you shared it with us, Kevin. I must work with homeless animals tomorrow morning, so no parades for me, but I do not take my freedom for granted, nor do I take those veterans for granted either - at least, I hope do I not. I salute you all, no matter what country you serve.

Stephanie-Umbro, Maine (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 6:15 PM)

As a retired U.S. Army soldier, I (we) sometimes forget the sacrifices of our allies, a nice story

Rob White, Stuttgart, Germany (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:01 PM)

As a fellow Canadian, I thank-you NBC for showing others our Highway of Heros

Ann Mellema, Naples, Florida (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:02 PM)

George Bush and Dick Cheney hide our fallen heroes on their return. Shame on them. When I returned from Viet Nam in January 1968 a day before the Tet offensice started, I had to hide the fact that I had been there at my governments insistence. It took years before anyone asked about my experience.

Frank Wagner, Manasota Key, FL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:10 PM)

It warmed my heart to watch the segment on Highway of Heroes tonight on Nightly news with Brian Williams. It isn't often we see the recognition of Canadians on U.S. National television. Congratulations also on a wise choice for your new President. We closely watched the campaign & were pleased with the outcome as it will affect us also.

Catharine Hosegrove St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:15 PM)

Very classy and respectful.

Mike, Hays, Kansas (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:15 PM)

Perhaps a minute of silence is more appropriate than a comment, then ask why isn't there a highway of heroes here.

Michel Durand, easton, pa (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:15 PM)

I'm still choked up at the story I just saw on NBC Nightly News. What a wonderful way to honor the fallen soldiers and show sympathy with their families. I wish we had some way to do something similar in the US.

Genevieve Miller, Bedford, NH (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:23 PM)

thanks for this. It's important for our American cousins know they are not alone in this war and we all need to remember the fallen.

C. Riordan Ottawa, Canada (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:24 PM)

Thank you for the very moving coverage that you did on the NBC news program regarding the "Highway of Heroes" which is the stretch of Highway 401 in Ontario, along which fallen Canadian soldiers are driven when their bodies are brought back from Afghanistan.
My wife and I thought it was a very classy thing to report on your show as a Remembrance Day topic.

Linds Carter, Blind River,Ontario,Canada (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:27 PM)

I just saw this report on NN. I, too, was moved to tears.

My grandfather, my father and his brothers, my brother and I have all served in one branch of the US military or another (Signal Corps, Air National Guard, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard). At Veterans Day and Memorial Day, I'm reminded of our family's service, and am touched by the recognition of that service at work and church.

However, this story really touched me even beyond the poignancy of the upcoming Veterans Day. My father lost his fight with cancer just over six years ago, and was laid to rest in a small rural cemetery that sits inside a state forest atop a mountain in SE Tennessee. As the graveside ceremony took place, Taps began playing. A group of kids on ATVs stopped at the top of the mountain road surrounding the cemetery, switched off their engines, watching and waiting with respect as my father was lowered into the ground. That single, quiet exhibit of respect was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.

The spontaneous gatherings on the Highway of Heroes reminded me of the respect my family felt in our time of sorrow, and I just felt like I had to share our story.

Colin Wright, Ellisville, Missouri (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:29 PM)

I just saw the article on "The Highway of Heroes" amd the Remembrance Day in Canada. I wish to tell you of Spc. Pfc. Phillip Pannier of Washburn Il, who was killed in Irac on Jan. 8, 2008. He was my niece's fiance. I remember sadly but yet I honored him when they brought him home from Iraq. It was 17 degrees outside and I went out in my wheelchair and sat along side of the road outside of Snyder Village which is a nursing home and retirement center. I was joined by thousands of people that day who welcomed Phillip back home. Jenny's and Phil's family reported that the Patriot Motorcycle Group met them at the airport and rode ahead and behind the procession. They were met with firetrucks over overpasses with people standing with flags. They were accompanied through all adjoining towns from Peoria to Roanoke with escorts of police, fire trucks, and ambulances appoximately 25 miles where students from schools, business owners and workers, families, and other Veterans stood outside and held flags in his honor. Balloons were released at the place where Jennny worked when the procession went by in Memory of Phillip.. We were all holding flags side by side and one by one. One really noted the impact when a farmer, who was working his field across from the nursing home in Metamora, got down off his tractor and saluted Phillip. It was a sad and a very cold day, but pride and love was everywhere. I hear that this is happening across all of Central Illinois when our Heroes are coming home this way. It is also happening in our nation too. We will never forget and we will also honor our soldiers as Canada does. We will remember them always too.

Janet Held, Metamora, IL. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:30 PM)

Thank you for this beautiful story. Perhaps in January our new president will allow photographs of the return of men and women killed in Iraq. They deserve the honor the Canadian's give.

Susan, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:30 PM)

I am 86 years old and a true Canadian flag waver. I am very proud of my fellow Canadians as they show their respect for our fallen heros by lining the bridges as they pass through our hometown of Cobourg, Ontario on Hwy. 401. It is from our pride for our Canadian soldiers to give them the respect that they deserve fighting for all our freedoms. The show of respect started with just a few people but has grown into something larger and stronger than anyone could have arranged. If the day comes that we do not have to be there, then it is a day when the soldiers have all come home safely.

Marie Currie, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:41 PM)

a truly heart felt and good story. thank you for airing. at a time of so much sad news a good one comes through. again THANK YOU!

ted kubichek, cary, IL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:44 PM)

Excellent story of the Canadian public grass roots
movement honoring those fallen soldiers being
returned home from war.

It took me back to the summer of 1970, when a young
man from my Church back home was killed in the
Vietnam War in the service of the USA. While there
were no such public movements in the US at the
time, I do remember that our Church was jam packed
with mourners attending the funeral, the crowd in
attendance rivalled those at major holidays.

Robert Robinson, Surfside Beach, SC (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 7:56 PM)

Thanks for the great story.

Luke Higgins, Brentwood, TN (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:00 PM)

the current administration has fallen soldier flown to Andrews AFB outside of Washington, and then on to their cities of birth. Even though, the United States has much more casualties than Canada, it may take notice from our friends to the north, and learn to respect the fallen. Currently, it is just a number, of the servicepeople killed in war. It reminds myself of when I was 10 or 12 and the Vietnam war statistics were broadcast each night, they were also just a number

marc newman, atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:11 PM)

Brian,
Since King George Bush's regime will not let me honor fallen Americans - which include family, friends and relatives, would you Please tell me where in Canada these motorcades are traveling. I will go there. If I can not honor our fallen, at least I can honor theirs.
jss - disabled American Veteran of theVietnam Era.

jss, Twin Falls, Idaho (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:12 PM)

What a wonderful message of respect, honor and heartfelt gratitude. I want the video on-line to share with others.

Alida Butler, Grant, MI 49327 (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:20 PM)

This is wonderful. Ordinary people honoring our fallen soliders. We need a highway of heroes in the States. Maybe our next President will stop hiding our war dead.

Julia Cassford (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 8:42 PM)

Tonight's story on the NN about the "Highway of Heroes" was very moving. The people of Canada pay great tribute to their war dead. It's a shame that on the night before Veteran's Day with the US involved in two wars that we on this side of the border do not have a similiar recognition of our dead heroes.

William Brahe, East Meadow, NY (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 9:18 PM)

Hats off to NBC and Brian Williams for honouring ,at last, the high cost Canadian soldiers have paid for world peace. American reporters and American networks rarely, if ever, have spoken of our role in the battles of this century or the last. Thank you.

Colleen M. O'Marra, Toronto, Ontario (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 9:48 PM)

Please reshow your touching video of the Highway of Heroes on your TV show and make it available on this website as well. It is one of the most moving tributes of our war heroes and their families that we have seen. Thank you.

jane wilson, manassas va 20109 (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 10:16 PM)

Thank you NBC for showing this story to the American public and letting them know that Canadians are also giving their lives as we celebrate Remembrance Day in our nation tomorrow. (In memory of my father, a WW2 veteran of the 410 Mosquito Squadron RCAF).

Linda McKellar, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 10:19 PM)

What a coincedence to stumble over this NBC storey this evening. We have a daughter in Atlanta who is married to a USAF Officer and another daughter married to a USN Officer in Virgina both of whom are in Irag. We consider ourselves blessed as our son who is a Canadian Reservist who just a couple of weeks ago returned home from a 9 month tour in Afghanistan. Tied to your storey, our daughter just emailed use a very moving media player tribute to our fallen Canadian Service Men and Women showing the pictures of those hereos and scenes as the Canadian Anthem played ... truly one cannot hold back tears awash with a feeling of loss, pride and gratitude that cannot be expressed. That tribute was apparently created as part of a birthday celebration for the US Marine Core and a desire to honour Canada's hereos with respect and gratitude. As the writer of the email stated, Canadian military members were present who stood through the tribute and the marines and others present rising as Oh Canada rose from the silence of the moment ..... "Thank you USMC" having this means more than can be expressed. I wish I knew how to email it to NBC and our CBC for it will impact all who see it, especially this Nov.11th. Let us not forget!

Mike Marrs, Youbou, B.C., Canada (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 10:36 PM)

I only wish our citizens would have met our fallen young soldiers from the VietNam era with such dignity and love. The Canadian People can be very proud as Every One of the fallen soldiers should have His or Her last moment of gratitude and thanks for job well done.They are true HEROES.

JAMES ASCHENBRENNER,MORTON,IL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 11:45 PM)

JAMES ASCHENBRENNER,MORTON,IL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 11:46 PM)

Your continued coverage of the Iraq and Afganistan wars are examples of the finest tradition in broadcast journalism. The Highway of Heroes segment tonight on a major American network was an unexpected but welcome shock for Canadian viewers. The sacrifices of some of our bravest and best young men and women were finally shown to an American audience and for that I am very grateful.
Anyone interested in learning more details about those Canadians who have sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan can go to
www.cbc.ca/news/background/afghanistan/casualties/list

Neil (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 11:48 PM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFfKEUg0a0 Check out my gift to our beloved Veterans. Thank You Philip Dain Powell

Philip Dain Powell Lavalette WV. (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:19 AM)

Thank you for your Highway of Heroes story. We are Canadian snowbirds, and I most regret not being home on Remembrance Day to watch the ceremony from the war memorial in Ottawa, and silently weeping as In Flanders Fields is sung and The Last Post is played. I remember as a child going to watch my grandfather, a WWI veteran, march in the Remembrance Day parade. He would put on his blazer, his beret and his medals, and join all his Legion friends. He seldom talked to us about the war, but went to the Legion regularly, I think to be with people who knew what he knew. There is only 1 Canadian WWI veteran left. So I will proudly put on my poppy, and at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, I will stop for my minute of silence. Lest We Forget.

Deborah Kuehnbaum, Litchfield Park, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 7:36 AM)

I missed the news on this story but live it every day as i have a younger brother in afghanistan right now. I try and make it to the bridge close to my house for every soldiers trip home and remember them often. I will be standing next to others today as I remember all our brothers and sisters and pray for the safe return of all soldiers both Canadian and from other countries. Thank you for all the kind thoughts and prayers

Lorraine Beckman. Cobourg ON Canada (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:19 AM)

On Veterans Day, and the piece last night reminded me that I owe you a thank you for something you had on the show in March of 2007. You gave information about financial help available to veterans who had served during a war, and now need to be in a assisted living facility. This is truly a "well kept secret". It took me one year, and the help of a Ohio congressman, but I finally got this help for my dad who served during World Way II. He had been in assisted living for 7 years, and of course we could not claim anything for past years, but each month as I write a check for his care, I say a little prayer of thanksgiving! Doesn't pay the entire cost, but certainly helps me pay for the care that allowed him to celebrate his 100th birthday 9/13/08.

Karen Sonnefeld Columbia, S.C.. (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:04 AM)

As a resident of Cobourg, Ontario I am very proud that our little town Legion members were the ones that started this by respecting our soldiers and their families. I have attended almost all of the bridge ceremonies and they do not get any easier. To stand and show the families & friends that they are not alone is such a simple thing anyone can do. Some families even write letters to the local newspaper thanking those who were there.

I have been on bridges from anywhere from 1 hour up to 3 hrs.. standing and waiting. No one complains, no one leaves and everyone shares stories. When you see the purple flashing lights in the distance the bridge suddenly becomes silent and the only thing you can hear are tears flowing down peoples cheeks. Let me tell you.. your life if forever changed. A community coming together regardless of political agendas sharing one common thing. Respect and grief.

I just hope when we can finally bring all of our men and women home alive .. we can gather on the bridges and show our gratitude to them while they travel the Highway of Heroes in there army vehicles.

I don't think there would be anyone who would not be lining up on our bridges to witness that!

Thank you to all those men and women who served and who continue to serve.

Deborah, Cobourg, ON (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:05 AM)

Thank you so much for the Highway of Heroes piece that appeared on
NBC Evening News on Monday and the accompanying interview with the woman who lost her son in the war. It deserves to be run over and over again as a reminder of the sacrifices these men and women are making
every day.

Jeanne and Lee Nelson (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:08 AM)

I am starting to feel the pride in ourselves as a country. I wish I could be on one of thoses bridges to welcome home all who are over ther when they come back alive and well. And all is right in the world.
However my pride is swelling in my chest for all who have made this highway of hero's .Well done.

DEBBIE, hayden (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:41 AM)

This part of the highway is not only referred to as the highway of heroes, but has been subtitled including many large and small signs as "the Highway of Heroes"
I have been priviledged to have seen two of these repatriations, and was amazed at the number of people attending. One was when three soilders were returning and the cortage of hursts and black stretch limosines was impresive and heartbreaking. however what got to me the most was that nearly every limosine transporting the families had at least one window down, with family members waving to the onlookers. One person held out a hand written message on what looked like a brown paper bag, saying "Thank you for your support".
My husband spent many years in the Canadian military, during peaceful years and our family is very thankful not to have been subjected to the uncertainty of war in a close environment.
We need to celebrate the lives of those lost in support of their country, not only on Remembrance Day, but every day.

Carol Morden, Trenton, Ontario (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 12:53 PM)

As we stand on the overpass at Herley Road in Colborne, we thing of the families that have lost but given so much for our Country. Most of us have Husbands, Sons, Brothers, Uncles etc.And even though we are proud of our fallen soldiers as we stand and watch, it brings tears to most eyes of sadness for their families that they have left behind. Every day is Rememberence day for them. May God Bless All Of You, not just today but for ever. Amen

Joyce Harvey Colborne, Ontario. Canada (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 1:49 PM)

I saw this story last night on NBC and was touched to the point of tears. My son is serving in the US Army and returned from Iraq in July. He will deploy again in the spring, most likely to Afghanistan. We appreciate the support of our allies and we are grateful for those who have served in the past and continue to do so today. Americans can learn a lesson from this simple gesture of courtesy and respect.

Debbie Passno (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:31 PM)

Where can I get a link to the video? It was shown on a Hamilton Ontario TV station this morning and I would like to show it to my class.

W Rockel Billy Green School, Stoney Creek, ON Canada (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:40 PM)

I live in a small town called Tweed, Ontario, Canada. This past September we had the soldiers passing through from Petawawa, Ontario on their way to CFB Trenton, for deployment to Aphganistan. The soldiers stopped at Tim Hortons on their way through for a little break in the trip. They were greeted by school children from one of our three schools and many adults. Once they left there they drove through the town and again were greeted by students from the other two schools and more adults in front of our Legion. Many waving Canadian Flags. The soldiers got off the bus and greeted everyone. It was very moving for all involved. It was so nice for you to put this on the news so everyone could hear about what we here in Canada do to support our troops

Carol Vandervoort, Tweed, Ontario Canada (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 2:59 PM)

What a moving story. My sincere thanks for your presentation. It's tough to compare it to what happens in this country with a flag draped coffin arrives in Dover. We certainly are missing something. We being the powers that be.
I would very much be advised when the next will take place so I can drive there to offer my sincerest sympathy, from the U.S. I have a son that was a Captain in Special Forces through three tours in Iraq. I want to show our Canadian neighbors that there are those that really care south of the border. Thanks again. I would like to email this to many friends. Is that possible?

Dick Cook (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:03 PM)

I watched Nightly News with Brian Williams,the piece done about our Highway of Heroes reported by Kevin Tibbles was very touching,it made me proud to be a Canadian.The renaming of part of highway 401 was implemented very quickly with any opposition.
I feel saddened to know that the US solidiers are not given the same tribute,because it is shrouded when they return after sacrificing their life.

Gail Dias,Toronto,Canada (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 3:33 PM)

Thank you for your wonderful story on the Highway of Heros in Ontario. The repartiation ceremony is extremely moving as we welcome our fallen home to Canada. In the west the same grassroots movement has grown as well, whereby the street from the Airport south of Edmonton to the Base north of Edmonton is lined by citizens and Fire trucks, police and ambulances to welcome home our Soldiers who return after serving in Afganistan. There is no politics, just pride and thank you for telling our truly Canadian story.

Shirley (Sent Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8:05 PM)

While you may not see them, Americans join those grateful Canadians on those overpasses in honoring Canada's lost heros. While Canada and the US often disagree on unimportant matters, they stand together in the fight against extremism. For that we Americans thank all Canadians for their disproportionate sacrafice.

Carl Williams, Sacramento, CA (Sent Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:34 PM)

Hi: I am so sorry that I missed the story that you did about our Highway of Heroes. Is the story available on the intenet so I can watch it.
Many thanks NBC for doing the story.

John McAuley. Prescott Ontario (Sent Wednesday, November 12, 2008 3:13 PM)

What a heart touching story by Kevin Tibbles and it made me very proud to be a Canadian. I can't help but feel sadness that my American family and friends are muted by your government and public displays of loss and affection such as this are frowned upon. I wish all my American friends and family a thoughtful memorial day and I hope that one day you may all have the freedom to publicly morn and console one another the other 364 days a year.

Shawn Fortin, Comox British Columbia (Sent Thursday, November 13, 2008 1:29 AM)

We as Canadians are proud of the young men and women who fight for peace. They offer many a great gift, by laying down their lives for us and others. ALL should be remembered for this great sacrifice and we should also be there for the families who mourn for their lost and loved ones. We are to help lighten the burdens of our fellowmen. God Bless All who fight for Peace. Remember they are the Brave. They chose to be of service to our countries, I choose to Remember Them. It truly is a wonderous sight to witness and be a part of, and tears flow on the bridges and in the cars and their great service is appreciated by all.

Katherine Howard (Sent Thursday, November 13, 2008 10:48 AM)

Katherine Howard, Cobourg, ON, Canada (Sent Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:08 AM)

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