Reaction To Highway of Heroes

[@g-urts5518]

"honestly, you know... Canada... It's a good country to die for." Thats coming from the son of an immigrant who fought and died for our country. Makes me very proud to be Canadian. ❤❤🇨🇦❤❤

[@CarmelaWain]

Thank you ❤

[@seanwilson2607]

Respect, Thanks and Gratitude!

[@lilymungham5868]

He came from an amazing family

[@nedrasellayah9314]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@darcymartin7608]

You really should watch and react to the music video "Highway of Heroes" by The Trews. One of The Trews went to school with Nicola Goddard, a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan. He wrote this song for her. Extremely emotional!

[@timcarder2170]

Was just coming to suggest that😊 Also...make sure it's the *Original* Official Video... not that u.s. remake.

[@laurenrome3823]

Beautiful video 😢

[@JosieTurbach]

I came here to say this.

[@lizturner267]

Came to also say this!

[@Dwergarphalanx]

was thinking the same thing.

[@lizturner267]

By coincidence, hubby and I were 20 minutes ahead of the cortège for a fallen lad. We sobbed the entire way, every bridge, every open space beside the highway was filled with police, firefighters, legion men/women and just ordinary citizens. Just letting the family know, we feel it, we know how much you’ve sacrificed. It’s important to know that “The Highway of Hero's” wasn’t some organized movement, it was an organic grassroots show of support by everyday Canadians compelled to say Thank You.

[@waynedonovan9491]

As a member of the Canadian Armed forces this hits home. I knew 6 of those who were presented at the end of the video. Still think of them

[@SARA-11-1]

My condolences! Thank you! ❤🍁❤

[@BaloneySandwichWithKetchup]

Thank you for your service Sir, did the maple leaf proud out there, regardless of what the media was trying to spin. Nothing but the upmost respect. RIP to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Those sacrifices shall not be in vein.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Thank you for your service. My condolences for the loss of your friends

[@rllangevin3841]

Thank you for serving! We grieve with you, but cannot truly know the loss you feel.

[@cypinvic]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@michaelhamm6805]

I was the WO i/c Trenton Military Police when the first 4 came home as a result of a tragic friendly fire incident. What was supposed to be a solemn, private, transfer ceremony for these beloved soldiers became something that I will never forget. The plan was for the 4 fallen to be met on the ramp in Trenton by their families, and then for the escorting soldiers from Afghanistan to jump into the front seat of the hearses, and be escorted by Military Police to the Center of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, some 150 kms away. The base was locked down to keep the public away to allow the families to grieve. Without being asked, the Ontario Provincial Police showed up at the gate en masse. They indicated to the leadership that they were going to escort the hearses to Toronto. They escorted us slowly off the base. The roads were lined with citizens. When we got to the on ramp of the 401, the Quinte West Fire Department were there, standing on the shoulder, at attention, saluting the four hearses. As we settled in for the 1.5 hour journey to Toronto, we approached the Brighton overpass. To our amazement, that overpass, and every overpass on the 401 to Toronto was packed with people holding Canada Flags, Firemen and Policemen saluting as we passed. The OPP had marked cars at every on ramp, blocking traffic to allow our cortege a seamless journey on the busiest highway in Canada. As we approached Coburg, a highway worker stood on the center median with his helmet across his chest. We were blown away. You have to understand that as soldiers, we thought that the public did not care about us, likely because of the aftermath of the Somalia incident. To have our citizens show our fallen that amount of love was completely unexpected, and incredibly healing. That was out first trip up what would later be called the Highway of Heroes. Unfortunately, we got very good at making that trip over the coming years, and the outpouring of love from our fellow Canadians is something that is seared into the minds of every soldier as a result. So to all of you who stood, through the rain, the snow, and the heat...Thank you so very much.

[@helenemalenfant5435]

Thank you for sharing this account. No matter what people might think of ANY war, that is a political matter and has nothing to do with the soldiers who sacrifice to serve their country. They should always be honoured for serving or, sadly, for making the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to all the men and women who face those hardships and are not always as supported as they should be when they return.

[@stephenolan5539]

Fwiw, I totally blame politicians and desk jockies for the Somalia incident. And I am sure that I am not the only one.

[@musingwithreba9667]

I remember when those first four were killed. I was at the time married to a not-active US Marine (once a Marine, always a Marine) and living in the US. There were some tense days in our house when we learned what had happened! Then we saw on the news the cortege...I was proud to be Canadian. I also remember how Americans reacted to seeing it on TV and wondering why when their soldiers came home, it was always under cover of darkness. Something uniquely Canadian to be proud of. Thank you for your service 🙏

[@howardjolley2215]

Canadian citizens never hated or despised the military after Somalia. It was the government that put the wrong troops in that situation and it was the politicians that we despised then and still do. Politicians have constantly destroyed the military by taking needed money from them for their own pet projects or to give to terrorists. Thank you for you service.

[@stephaniegaudreau4755]

Thank you for your service and for your story.

[@grumben123]

Most notable for me about highway of heroes is that it is citizen based, completely spontaneous, and unofficial with no government involvement. It truly shows the people’s support.

[@stephenolan5539]

Mayor Millar at first told fire fighters not to go.

[@CarmelaWain]

Yes!!! Totally organic. Canadians have big big hearts ! Living in a cold climate... We naturally look out for one another. It is the Canadian way.❤ We love...period . ❤

[@CharlotteRussell-f3m]

I was the Military Police Warrant Officer in Trenton from August 2010 - April 2012. During my tenure, there was more than 50 fallen soldiers who were brought home through CFB Trenton. I did five escorts from Trenton to the morgue in Toronto. It was humbling and emotional to see so many people along the route. The MP vehicle was second last in the procession on the drive, the OPP and Metro Toronto Police always at the end. Coming into Toronto on the 401 Metro Police blocked all the on ramps stopping all vehicles east and west bound. There was a rise in the roadway, when cresting it, there was a clear view for kilometres, there wasn't a vehicle to be seen, across the whole 12 to 16 lanes. The 401 is the busiest highway in North America. Then and now, I get emotional and still see it in my mind. The drive through the city, people stopped for the convoy, the last couple blocks were filled. The last block into the Coroner's building was lined on the street with Emergency Services members, Police, Fire, and Medical, and the staff in the Morgue.

[@jeanniemaclean-ns3ro]

❤❤

[@isabellemichaud6926]

I know what you're saying, feeling and remembering. I was a Liaison Officer between 2007 and 2010 and had the honor and privilege of accompanying too many of our Area's fallen comrades back to their families after their arrival in Trenton. Just reading your words about the blocked ramps and the empty highway brought back many images and emotions. Contrary to you, I rode in the second vehicule of the convoy, behind the police car leading the convoy. The vehicule(s) with the casket(s) were right behind us and then, the family member's limousines followed. I remember when we left the highway to get into town and coming up to the fire station with the boots and hat positioned right there, for all to see. When we finally got to the Coroner's building and parked, the escort got out of the veh and was invited to make a walkabout, among the Emergency Svc mbrs, Police, Tactical squad, Firefighters, medics, etc, I usually got to translate for him since most did not speak English. These young men came directly from theatre, after having escorted the casket of their friend on a very trying flight, and with very little or no sleep. In this very tense situation, they were usually told the bare minimum, except never to allow the casket to leave their sight for a second, which they took very seriously. When they arrived in Trenton, they were nearly always in a state of shock, but kept their composure with courage and grace. At the moment of their first contact with the people in Toronto, they were always overwhelmed by the love and support they received and which was the norm all during their stay in Toronto. Everyone in the city knew the reason why they were (the only one ) wearing the tan camo combat and they would unfailingly come up to them and pay their respects, often with tears in their eyes. They were thanked for their services, they were hugged, and their hands were held and more often than not, their meals were paid. Sometimes they would not even know who had picked up the check for them (many donators wished to remain anonymous), but they were always bowled over by the love they were shown. The first time I made the trip from Trenton to Toronto on the Highway of Heroes, in August 2007, I cried nonstop the whole way. From leaving the Base's gates and seeing the Ambulance trucks in the first bend of road to the Coroner's Parking lot and through the whole 52 overpasses in between, with its masses of Canadians wanting to show their respect, support and love. As one family, they were all mourning the loss of a son or daughter. The 8 times after that were no less intense, but without the waterworks...most of the times. The more we did this, the better we got. We should never have gotten this good at it. Never. I remember hearing that there was a waiting list on which they would pick OPP and Toronto police members to act as escort. I remember the ceremony on the tarmac at Pearson's, where all of the airport's security personnel would come and pay their respects as the casket, draped in its Canadian Flag (thank you, Jonh and Jane from MacKinnon & Bowes) would be lifted into the belly of the plane. I remember the plane Captain explaining our presence to the passengers and talking about the precious, precious cargo that was to be delivered back to Montréal on that flight. I also remember each and every single one of the men and woman I accompanied through this. They will be with me until my last breath. Je me souviens

[@averagecanadianguy9427]

I'm a Trenton boy myself and I'm disabled. I would give anything to stand side by side with these men and women to protect our country. Much love.

[@chuckmorrison2116]

Thank you for your service Sir.👍🇨🇦

[@chuckmorrison2116]

​@@isabellemichaud6926 Thank you for your service. 👍🇨🇦

[@pattaccone]

Stuff like this is is what makes me proud to be Canadian ! ❤❤

[@Kimmy6519]

Ditto! 🇨🇦♥️

[@davefost]

Thank you for doing this video. All Canadian solders fallen overseas are/were flown first to Trenton, Ontario which is our military's air transport hub for overseas in a similar way to Dover for the U.S. military. Our military doesn't have a formal morgue anymore and instead, uses the province of Ontario's 'Provincial Morgue' located in Toronto for receipt, preparation, and release of the deceased to the funeral home of their family's choice. Overseas --> Trenton --> Provincial Morgue in Ontario --> family. Toronto is located roughly 2 hours west of Trenton connected by Highway 401. The portion of the highway used to transport the deceased soldiers between Trenton and the provincial morgue in Toronto is now known as the 'Highway of Heroes', the focus on the video. Family were present when the aircraft landed in Trenton and could accompany their loved one to the morgue on the 2 hour transit. The show of respect and empathy shown in the video grew from a grass-roots movement and other than the initial reception in Trenton, was not organized by officials in any way. These men and women who travelled this route on their final trip home will not be forgotten. There is a park at the end of the runway in Trenton where a monument to the fallen stands. Every name is engraved. Every time I go through Trenton, I make a point to stop by and read all the names. Their sacrifice shall not be forgotten.

[@isabellemichaud6926]

You are right in saying that our military doesn't have a mortuary service branch anymore. I would like to point out that this contract was given to a private Ontario mortuary firm which specializes in repatriation of human remains across the world. They - MacKinnon & Bowes - were responsible for the Canadian Forces' 158 repats. They did deploy to theatre, receive, prepare and facilitate the transfer of the deceased to the family's chosen funeral home. But that final preparation and voyage home was only completed after our fallen military members were transferred, upon arrival in Trenton, to Ontario's Provincial Coroner in Toronto, for autopsy. Thereby the need for the "Highway of Heroes" . Once that completed, their final transfer home was possible.

[@davefost]

@@isabellemichaud6926 Thank you for clarifying that and providing the additional information. We should give thanks to all those in the chain who worked so hard to provide respect and dignity in such difficult times to those who had fallen and their loved ones.

[@AuntieDeb71]

I was in Northern Ontario for a conference just a couple of days after a very sick individual murdered Nathan Cirillo, who was guarding the Ottawa war memorial (sentries do not have ammunition) then ran into the parliament building and started shooting in there before the Sergeant at Arms Kevin Vickers heroically ended the attack. That's a story you might want to look at. On the news, you could really only see Nathan's legs as passers by and paramedics worked on him, and seeing those distinctive Argyll & Sutherland socks was a shocker as it meant he was from my hometown, Hamilton. A Member of Parliament came in for the conference, and he was clearly beginning to show signs of being traumatized. Driving home, as soon as I exited the 400 onto the 401 (Highway of Heroes), I realized I was just a few minutes in front of the motorcade. All the way home every bridge and ramp was packed with people and once into the city the entire downtown route was people. I could barely see to drive.

[@HistoryNerd1814]

I remember that day the Ottawa Redblacks Ottawa's Canadain Football team was supposed to have a game that day it got delayed and was eventually played but to show Canadain unity the Hamilton Ticats the Hamilton CFL team let Ottawa have their huge Canadain flag for oh Canada ( we're talking about almost a full length of a CFL field). Then for the next Ticats home game they had a moment of silence for Nathan and had the Aryglls at the game.

[@marytyson7890]

Thank you for remembering Nathan Cirillo.

[@christinec1928]

Hamilton ON remembers Nathan Cirillo.

[@janinas.5965]

God bless our beautiful men and woman of great honour. Thank you to all who serve our great country.

[@Ryan-yi5ro]

I had the honour of being an honour guard for one of our fallen. I was fine at the airport carrying the casket, fine for the flag ceremony to the family but those damn bagpipes get me every time.

[@SARA-11-1]

Thank you! 🍁

[@HistoryNerd1814]

Got to love the Scott's for an invention that can put the fear of God into the enemy yet at the same time can be so emotional for cerimonies for the military

[@hereitisagain4880]

I have been to such an event, viewing from a bridge. There were tears in the eyes of a thousand people and the solemnity and depth of the proceedings were overcoming.

[@dashcroft1892]

Mert. Thank you for reminding Canadians of their own recent history.

[@CarmelaWain]

Yes!! Thank you Mert...as always ❤

[@maryjanegibson7743]

This deaths in Afghanistan were the first wartime Canadian miliary deaths since the Korean War. There had been other deaths, of course, but they were in peacekeeping missions. I remember how devastated the country was when the first four were killed in Afghanistan. We entered a time of national mourning, and ever since then the highway on which the bodies are transported between the base where the bodies are returned to Canada and the morgue in Toronto has become a focal point for Canadians to pay our respects. The families of the fallen travel with the hearses along the highway and this is our chance to say thank you to them. I have never been there, but I found the tears welling up again as I watched this. Thank you for coviering this important topic that means so much to us.

[@CarmelaWain]

Thank you for that ❤ Very well said and of course....just as I knew I would ....I balled through this whole video. ❤ God bless our men and women in our Military ❤

[@alisoncircus]

Something to know about the Highway of Heroes is that it was completely spontaneous. No one organized it, people just showed up. There would be an official announcement that someone would be being interred in the National Cemetary, and people would just ... show up. Over and over and over again.

[@UniquelyPenny]

Since the video didn’t go in to detail about where and such. It was named such back in 2007, it’s a stretch of highway 401 located in the Province of Ontario between cities of Trent to the city of Toronto. This route is taken by the funeral convoy of the fallen soldier(s). Trenton is home of the military base CFB Trenton and Toronto where they go is the coroner’s office.

[@Cully5x5]

This is a chapter/excerpt from the multiple award winning Afghan War Documentary; "If I Should Fall" (2011) . Based on the life and death of Trooper Marc Diab, Royal Canadian Dragoons. KIA March 8/09. The documentary explains the evolution of the "Highway of Heroes" quite well. What you saw here represents an account of Marcs journey back home. It can be viewed on Vimeo.

[@VirginiaPeden-Harrington-qd5zu]

Thank you, Mert. This is such a beautiful tradition by Canadian people for their fallen heroes.

[@Nosaj1978]

I deployed to Afghanistan from April to December 2010. This video brought out some tears when the honour roll started. Seeing friends and acquaintances that we lost still gets me 14 years later. I can’t remember if you have done a reaction to the song Highway of Heroes by The Trews. It’s a great some and came out in 2010 I believe. It’s a good song but when it would play in the Forces Radio Station in Afghanistan it was a bit disheartening as we still were sure if we would travel that highway ourselves.

[@MrYoup11]

I live in BC, I haven't heard that this was still going on since our involvement in Afghanistan was over. This tradition has been used in different tragedies in Canada, like the fire fighters in Fort McMurray lined the road when residents were allowed back and the same just happened in Jasper.

[@sharis9095]

For a bit of context, at the time this started governments were trying to gloss over the soldiers lost. In the USA they refused to show anything that might have a casket or fallen soldier returning home. In the UK soldiers were being told not to wear their uniforms in public because it might offend people. In Canada there is a long drive from where the soldiers arrive to where they are taken (many hours) and there are a dozen bridges. The people coming out began as local residents, vehicles would pull over for the procession and the occupants would get out and bow their head. More and more started showing up, until eventually not only the bridges were covered but there were people at every pullout, including police, fire, scouts, farmers, etc., all saying we won't ignore their sacrifice. It is a beautiful, tribute by the people, without political agenda, just respect.

[@susieq9801]

On a cold winter day I stood on a bridge over the 401 with hundreds of others to show respect for several soldiers being brought home that day. That was the least we could do for those who did so much for us. As cold as it was, the families following the hearses rolled down the windows to wave to and acknowledge those on the bridges. ❤

[@sharis9095]

@@susieq9801 While it's the least we can do I've seen many family members say it brought them some comfort. You were part of that. Finding a way to bring some comfort to a family that is suffering their worst nightmare. I live on the other side of Canada but it still makes me proud that in our country the people can be gracious.

[@susieq9801]

It meant so much to all of those able to do it and many had tears in their eyes. I did. I'm sure you would have been there if you could. I do hope it meant ten times more to the families.

[@twigg43]

​@@sharis9095I hope we never lose that ability to be a gentle loving Nation❤

[@lynngainer]

Thank you for your lovely show. Very compassionate. We were driving busy that Hwy when we saw the people including firefighters lining the bridges. We knew right away what was happening that day and it brought tears to our eyes. ( I wondered if you noticed the bag pipes following the casket?)

[@damialle]

Hi Mert. I’m a relatively new follower of your reaction videos. Your positive and supportive perspective of our country is greatly appreciated. I have lived and travelled from the Atlantic to the Pacific in my 70+ years, and am a proud Canadian. Although I don’t have a military history in my family, I am always moved by the sacrifice these soldiers have made in the name of peace and freedom. Thank you for giving due recognition to these brave people.

[@kyesnana]

While in the airport in Toronto one year they were bringing a casket down. Lots of respect even at that point. The respect they have is amazing. Cried my eyes out watching. There are several stretches of highway across Canada that are so named for our armed forces. Several members of my family, both past and present served. Proud to be Canadian. ❤️🇨🇦

[@jujube8067]

These always make me cry.

[@basinstreetdesign5206]

I used to live in Oshawa, ON and I would drive that highway while commuting to Toronto every day. So I would see this whenever it happens. You flash you headlights, honk your horn and feel its inadequacy. It's very humbling. Damn high respect.

[@NatoBro]

I was in Afghanistan attending the ramp ceremonies for 28 of our members. I only saw the public side on the television later once the plane arrived in Trenton. This video stirred up some memories. I knew one who was a former army cadet. And one young lady who was from my home town. My wife met her mother when she came into the hair salon to get her hair done for the funeral. I'm glad people were willing to pay their respects like that. The spin was that the attendance at Remembrance Day (11 Nov) ceremonies seemed to grow and have pretty much stayed like that since. Canadians are pretty quiet with that kind of patriotism. Thanks Mert for watching this.

[@isabellemichaud6926]

That young lady was Cpl Karine Blais and as the Liaison officer, I arranged for her mom to have that hair appointment. Some dye unfortunately was spilled on her white blouse and we had go and shop at the speed of light to get her another one before we were taking off for the funeral. Stories like that never make it in the news. But I bet everyone there still remembers it.

[@NatoBro]

@@isabellemichaud6926 sorry, but no it wasn't for Cpl Blais's mom. It was for MCpl Kristal Giesebrecht's mother.

[@isabellemichaud6926]

@@NatoBro I conclude that every Mother wants to look her best for the Child she is going to meet in Trenton. I've also had a man requesting a haircut before we left for the Base in order to look "proper" for his deceased brother.

[@PAPIKen0728]

Every time I watch that series I am proud and sad. Every time I have tears for our fallen and their families they leave behind. Never forget.

[@kathymeadus]

I've been traveling on the 401 (Highway of Heroes) when the bridges were completely covered with flags and people. Firefighters and cops standing on top of their vehicles saluting is breath taking. I even had the privilege to stand and say my thanks to those soldiers that lost their lives protecting Canada. Both made me cry!

[@EddieEnglander]

My former cadet flew the the fallen from Afghanistan to Trenton Air Force base outside of Toronto. Then taken down the 401 highway to their destinations.

[@CarmelaWain]

Thank you for that ❤ God bless you both ❤ God keep our men and women in uniform...military...fire fighters...ambulance...police...and all who put themselves in harms way .....for me. From the bottom of my heart....I thank you ❤ 11:25

[@Lakeshore14]

I have seen videos before about The Highway Of Heroes, but each time it’s very emotional. We must always honour our military and the sacrifices they make. They served and many died to protect our freedoms. There is also a wonderful song by The Trews about the Highway Of Heroes. It also is emotional. Thank you so much for your very respectful review of Highway of Heroes. Great channel. 👏👏👏🥰🇨🇦

[@Cully5x5]

This is a chapter/excerpt from the multiple award winning Afghan War Documentary; "If I Should Fall" (2011) . Based on the life and death of Trooper Marc Diab, Royal Canadian Dragoons. KIA March 8/09. It can be viewed on Vimeo.

[@coreywall1977]

As the son of a forces member this showing of support for the fallen is the one time in my life when I felt like our fellow citizens understood the sacrifices that are made by service members and those they leave behind.

[@lilymungham5868]

A song was written for a soldier from Petawawa who died overseas. It is called “Soldier with angel’s wings” written by Steve Regan. She was working as a paramedic when they drove over an IED.

[@Rob-Yule]

My family lived 2 doors down from Marc’s family in Lancaster and our boys played with all the children Claire would look after from the neighborhood, we knew Marc and his siblings. We had moved away for some years and when I heard the news on the CBC that Marc and his comrades were the first Canadians killed in Afghanistan, tragically by friendly fire. I was just stunned. Then to hear his mom Claire on the radio talk about Marc it was so heartbreaking. I will never forget this young man’s sacrifice.

[@Mefj100]

Those young men and women were brought back to Canada...arrived in Trenton and the cortage was driven Toronto, across the 401 and the down the Don Valley Parkway to the middle of the city. All the bridges across the 401, down thru Toronto were full of people, and those of us in office buildings watched and "saluted" too! Everyone of those heroes got that treatment!

[@frankhill2406]

I was driving home on the 401 and followed one of the processions from Bellville, Ontario for about 125 km west towards Toronto. There were people still standing on the overpasses, Along the side of the highway, in the fields, basically anywhere that they could stand and show their respect and support. I have to admit that I did weep that day as I followed them all the way to my exit and I have teared up again today watching this and remembering the emotions of that day.

[@rick3461]

I was deployed in 2008. 3 guys in my call sign were killed on December 5 2008. I had the honour of escorting them home for repatriation. It was bitterly cold when we landed in Trenton. I was in the third hearse in the convoy on the HoH. Seeing the people on the bridges and overpasses, waving flags and signs, in -20 weather, was surreal. It was both the worst, and best experience of my entire life. 🇨🇦 Pro Patria.

[@williammarshall6438]

A surefire must is to react to the song, absolutely beautiful. Played at every remembrance day in school

[@kengaskin8304]

The 401 is the busiest highway in North America and perhaps The World. It runs from Quebec to Windsor. I’m sure the same thing will happen on the Trans Canada if the soldier makes his way west from Ontario. I was born in Scotland and was a firefighter in London Ontario. I have been on the bridges both on and off duty if a dead soldier is passing through. Firefighters recognize the sacrifice for Police, Firefighters and Soldiers and Paramedics in much the same way by showing up in the multiple hundreds for Line of Duty deaths, often travelling for hours or days even.

[@janetuesday6473]

I stood on a bridge near Port Hope, Ontario as a procession went by. The most moving experience in my life🍁

[@Prettyfreelife]

My daughter and I went and picked up all the garbage on the on ramp at Glen Miller entering the 401, it was a mother daughter experience we shared. We filled 5 garbage bags of fast food trash, pee bottles and cans etc. We were short of cash spending our last 10 bucks for rubber gloves and garbage bags at the Dollar store. We went to the Timmies and told them what were doing and ask if they had an extra garbage bag we could use to finish. They said no, gas station next to them supplied us with one. I phoned the local police and told them the filled trash bags were there and they came and collected them before the soldiers past. We still honor them by picking up trash on our trails here in the Kawartha Lakes where we are from.

[@Prettyfreelife]

As a side note my husband was the sole plumber doing the plumbing at the new at the time McDonald's on GlenMiller.

[@carolmurphy7572]

Thank you for the work you've done to show your gratitude and respect for our fallen soldiers and their families. It is a real, concrete, and very thoughtful gesture from your family's heart to the broken hearts that follow those hearses. And to know that you are teaching that kind of respect to your daughter is moving, indeed! Thank you! ❤🇨🇦

[@marytyson7890]

You and your daughter have a heart of gold

[@MarkParks-n9y]

I live a half hour from the Port Hope overpass and my son and I always took our flag down and held it for our fallen soldiers as they passed The bridge was always packed and I cried every time

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Although I left the service a long time ago, I'm still in contact with one who is a veteran of Afghanistan. I developed a huge flinch whenever I learned of a casualty event over there. Too many of us died over there. They worked so hard, did so much, and paid way too high a price. It breaks my heart.

[@DHenneberry]

There is another great documentary about The Highway Of Heroes done by Tom Brokaw explaining the Highway to Americans. To this day I cannot watch it without a tear in my eye.

[@grumpycanadiangrandma7990]

this is a very good one

[@jenniferlehman326]

The repatriation started in Afghanistan, it went down the Highway of Heroes. A highway dedicated to the memory of every man and woman who fell during the Afghanistan War. I was a Paramedic, and did quite a few of these Highway of Heroes returns. As the hearses would go by, i would be saluting, and tears would be falling. We were there to show the families, their soldier didn't make the ultimate sacrifice for nothing. And this is coming from the proud daughter of a Canadian Military Veteran who served during the Cold War. Yes, he was gone a lot. But we knew he would come home. I was so proud to stand there and salute each and every one of the soldiers. Always Remembered, Never Forgotten, with Dignity, Honour, Integrity and Pride. From the daughter of a Canadian Military Veteran and Retired Paramedic in Ontario, Canada, Jenn 💖 🇨🇦

[@joannebonin5757]

Lest we forget ❤

[@drewc981]

You should check the tune Highway of Heroes by a band called The Trews. It's about this highway when people would gather to honour soldiers killed in Afghanistan

[@Cully5x5]

This is a chapter/excerpt from the multiple award winning Afghan War Documentary; "If I Should Fall" (2011) . Based on the life and death of Trooper Marc Diab, Royal Canadian Dragoons. KIA March 8/09. It can be viewed on Vimeo.

[@michaelmacintyre6996]

Lt. Justin G. Boyes, I worked with him. He was killed ten days into his second tour. Our sons are almost the same age, I often think of his son when I look at mine. He was a good man, his son should be proud of him.

[@junehough1025]

They land in Trenton Air Force base they are carried along one of the most largest highways through Ontario to the Corner’s office in Toronto, we are a small country in population. We are a military family and our oldest is serving right now….there are so many casualties of another kind…emotional, mental…and we salute them

[@pauldamsma540]

We respect the sacrifices made, and we don't take for granted the rights and freedoms we enjoy Mert! Sadly not everyone shares that feeling, and it grieves us as a whole when others don't share that respect. Being Canadian is not just about showing a maple leaf on our back pack, we're a people of integrity, faith and courage!

[@ironblud]

I’ve stood on a bridge for one of these processions. It was for Nathan Cirrilo(sp?). It was honestly the most surreal feeling standing there with fellow Canadians, people driving under waving at us, flashing lights…..then people started pulling over on both sides of the highway. When they closed the highway and the procession first appeared there was an overwhelming feeling that I cannot even describe. I was moved for sure.

[@musingwithreba9667]

I stood on one or other of of those bridges several times when one or more of our soldiers came home. Didn't matter the weather, or time of day, or how long delayed the cortege, we stood out there to honour our fallen. It really is a fluke of geography, they fly into Trenton AFB, then have to drive to the medical examiner's in Toronto, 170km away. I don’t know who the first person/people was/were to start the tradition, but it truly is a beautiful thing. And something heartbreaking and heartwarming to experience. It's the least we can do, for the soldiers and their families who gave so much ❤

[@nikkidarkangelpnope8400]

I went to high school with Master Corporal Doyle, his was the first name added to the Cenotaph in our city since WW2.

[@carolinem9085]

I remember when one soldier that was being driven down the road, everyone got out of their cars and stood in the street, watching and waiting for the car to go past. Just stopped on this busy road in the city. They deserve our respect. These soldiers didn't die for nothing.

[@whittyone7794]

I live in Trenton, the start of their highway journey. It is difficult to explain the emotions that go through you while you wait for the convoy to appear. I was on one of the bridges waiting, with a flag hanging in front of me countless times.

[@carolmurphy7572]

Thank you for your demonstration of gratitude and respect.

[@joanne5391]

I live in ottawa where these bridges are. I travel on or under these daily for my work as a driver. Their sacrifices are never lost on me these bridges mean alot. A silent salute to them out of respect, even a morning coffee cup salute.Thank you for caring about our traditions Mert. I think that's your name. 10:08

[@TeixLil]

Heartbreaking honor. It's the least you could do for someone who's given everything for their country.

[@rllangevin3841]

I worked for many years (during this timeframe) on a military contract and in that role liaised with and met many of our CF who worked/fought alongside these fallen heroes. During that time I worked/lived west of Toronto. When Cpl Nathan Cirillo was murdered on Parliament Hill and after travelling the Highway of Hereos to the morgue in Toronto, they later brought him "home" via the 401, 403 and QEW to Hamilton. We were privileged to stand on one of the bridges to honour him and pay our respects in that small way; a very moving experience for our entire family. Our son was the RSM of the local Army Cadets at the time and his corps were preparing for a trip to see the battlefields of WWI and WWII in France, Belgium and the Netherlands - he was so disappointed when the gov't told them they could NOT even take their uniforms on the trip, and they were NOT to wear their uniforms in public, nor at the bridges/overpasses as the procession passed by - out of fear that they might also come under attack. SMH. Nevertheless we were glad he was able to go and honour the fallen of those wars as well; it was a trip of a lifetime.

[@Doug_BC]

I sure hope that they and their families are not grieving alone. I don't know any serving members of Canada's CAF personally, but as the son, grandson, and nephew who survived active service during WW II, I consider EVERYONE who serves in our CAF today to be members of my extended family. And I not only grieve when one of them falls in service to this nation, I often feel guilty for supporting the missions that our elected governments send them on. And having access to portraits of all of the fallen makes those losses even more difficult to get out of my mind. I wonder when Canada's governments have been doing that, given that I have found black and white portraits of some of my WW II era family members in photo albums that are older than I am today. If there is a God anywhere, may be or she bless ALL who served, have served, and will ever serve in our CAF.

[@seanwilson2607]

Beautiful!

[@eatpant9429]

That soldier Marc Diab was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons I am now one of those members and his story is still talked about today and his family have their own restaurant that myself and many dragoons go and support. We and the family have a tight bond. RIP Marc ❤

[@CarmelaWain]

So so sad that Canada's current Prime Minister does not care one iota about our beloved fallen and our beloved veterans.... He once said " the Veterans are asking for more than we can give" How absolutely discing (9 million dollar condo in New York for my friend) for "our" "prime" minister to say. Shameful!

[@adrianmcgrath1984]

I saw a clip of an English comedian yesterday, he had made a joke at a gig in the Okanagon. Two days later, out in the maritimes, he was called out for it by the sister of someone who had been at the Okanagon gig. As he commented, people make the assumption that in such a vast land people living so differently to one another would be totally disjointed, whereas he could make a comment in one British town, and in the next town over, nobody would know, in Canada it was like being in a village, with tragedies, slights, or insults being felt across the country. A fine example would be in 2009, actor/singer Billy Bob Thornton kicked off a Canadian tour in Toronto. After the show he was rude about the audience and their enthusiasm, and was obnoxious to a CBC interviewer. And then he and his band packed up and went home, cancelling all his other dates after people across the country cancelled tickets and let their opinions be known. I’ve lived half my life in the UK and half in Canada, I never saw the UK come together for any event the way Canada does. In a country that has so many new or relatively recent immigrants, there is a different sense of 'family' or community. There are many ex British immigrants on social media who will say the same.

[@stephenolan5539]

I still say Kim Cambell should have gone after those foreign fishing trailers. Canadian PM's always have a mandate to do things like that. A bluenoser said that the rest of Canada doesn't care about the fisheries. That may be true but if a foreign country is poaching, the PM will be supported. Later the Liberals took action and the Tobinator became a hero.

[@lynnecamp3268]

We can never forget their service and sacrifice. 👍♥️

[@katharinemichie2178]

It is not just moving to watch, it was moving for the civilians participating at the time. After the first completely spontaneous vigil, expected arrivals times of fallen soldiers were announced in the News. My father, a WW2 vet went out onto a bridge near his Toronto home a couple of times, wearing medals, jacket, navy neck tie and beret. Those on the bridge chatted quietly to each other telling stories of why they had come. But when the police escort stopped the traffic, the crowd on the bridge were quiet, vets saluted the hearse, hats off, and many wept

[@JT.Pilgrim]

Best reaction. Ty Mert.

[@lilymungham5868]

One of the bridges along the route was renamed Valor Bridge in honor of the fallen soldiers Marc was posted to a military base about 200 km from Ottawa. He used to tell his fellow soldiers that he wanted to open a restaurant near the base that served ethnic food After his death, his whole family moved to the area and opened the restaurant in his honor. They are a beautiful family and the community still remembers their son with pride and respect

[@sarahklassen5900]

Nothing more profound than reacting to the words of command... to our fallen comrade, salute

[@Brentlearmonth-sg7mo]

Hel yeah 🇨🇦 may god keep the ones that have fallen and the one's still fighting 🍻

[@Migmaw]

There is also a music video by the Trews that makes me cry everytime i see it, its powerful and moving to say the least. The Trews and the song is Highway of Heroes and it has footage of the highway and funeral processions. Stay Blessed 👊🏼. Lest we forget , not sure anyone else has mentioned it but Nathan Cirillo who was on gaurd at the national memorial of the unknown soldier who was killed by a lone terrorist attack on Parliament was honoured in the same way as the boys who died in Afghanistan. I went to his funeral and it was huge and every roof had JTF2 and police snipers on all the roof tops in the city of Hamilton.

[@mugsnvicki]

I drove to the Brimley Overpass with my flag for the last 100 that came home. Watching this still brings tears. What isn't shown is how the police swept the highway of traffic for the motorcade as it passed.Canada's busiest highway brought to a stop like a moment frozen in time. The motorcade flew by, I wept openly and it was over!!!

[@karenwendt6630]

Love the respect you are showing, thank you

[@kayecastleman6353]

Great subject, Mert. The video was a little thin on details, but most of them seemed to have been filled in by your conscientious viewers. I never realized the Highway of Heroes was a totally grass roots tradition. Respect.

[@Cully5x5]

The video was an excerpt from a 2011 documentary, If I Should Fall. The Highway of Heroes if fully explained in the film in detail by Canadian soldiers who were there and had taken part in the ramp ceremonies. Music by Loreena McKennitt.

[@kayecastleman6353]

@@Cully5x5 Good to know. Thanks.

[@RaindanceMaggieDance]

You stand with your back straight and tears streaming down your face. And you brave the wind and the cold and you are humbled. That’s what it is.

[@RaindanceMaggieDance]

9:31… my friend Tyler Todd. I’m glad he is being remembered.

[@BarbM-n5o]

God bless Canada’s Military members who paid the ultimate price for their country. God bless our current serving members and our veterans who deserve our love and appreciation for all they have done, all they do today and all they will do in the future to protect the Country and its citizens. God keep you safe.

[@chuckmorrison2116]

I had the sad privilege of being on a bridge in Toronto twice to welcome home one of our fallen heroes. Each time it changed me inside and made think of my family members who served, some seeing the terror of actual battle and one who was a POW for a year. Thank you to all who serve this nation.🇨🇦

[@EileenORiordan-cx7vr]

I was watching a 2022 KZbin travelogue a couple of weeks ago. The British youtubers were driving through Belgium and crossed a bridge over a major highway where people were standing waving Belgian flag. Also being waved was a Canadian flag. The people filming it noted it was August 31st but didn't know why the flags were being waved. I googled August 31, 1944 (just a guess) and it was the day Canada liberated Belgium from the Germans. I didn't know Canadian troops accomplished that, and it was truly humbling nearly 80 years after it happened, Belgians still remember our troops.

[@rimehoarfrost3059]

Mert, I always love your reactions. Thank you, from Canada.

[@hokeypokeyahandicapablebul4207]

I am one of those people standing overpass🇨🇦❤ thank you to all my hero Canadian Veterans. Blessed be

[@hokeypokeyahandicapablebul4207]

Check out The Trews....song

[@willmacintyre649]

Great Reaction!

[@donrobinson899]

The highway of heroes starts at the Trenton Ontario Air base. I live around the corner and see the signs every day. They call it the highway of heroes because they transport the bodies of the fallen from Trenton to Toronto where they can be flown home to be buried by their families.

[@swerth]

You're a great dude, that's Canadas highest honour

[@Cully5x5]

Thank you for doing this. This is a chapter/excerpt from the multiple award winning Afghan War Documentary; "If I Should Fall" (2011) . Based on the life and death of Trooper Marc Diab, Royal Canadian Dragoons. KIA March 8/09. It shows Marc's journey home along the Highway of Heroes. The history and evolution of the Highway of Heroes is explained in the film. It can be viewed on Vimeo. Music by Loren McKennitt. Oh yes, love the Trews and their tribute.

[@patricialittle2406]

There was a similar route, I believe from the base the soldier returned to through Wooton Bassett toward Oxford, in the UK. The now Royal Wooton Bassett also came out to honour the soldiers coming home.

[@mandehart4186]

The Highway of Heroes is also known as the 401, which turns into 402, That highway is important and if it was not such a major highway and speeds of 100 to 120 KM/H I am sure people would do the last march on it. I am proud to be canadian born and raised and I am glad that we have that highway. It is done live on TV too when soldier comes home. They are very important to us.

[@jggdthoughts4156]

There's a different kind of feeling when you merge on to these stretches of highway. A reverence for those that have had that final call home.

[@susannebrown3255]

Our returning fall would land at CFB Trenton. They then would be driven to Toronto for an official autopsy. It is this stretch of the 401 highway that is the Highway of Hero’s. 👏🏼👏🏼🇨🇦🐉👩🏼‍⚖️

[@darthtrystan591anderson9]

It runs the 100 miles between the RCAF Base at CFB Trenton (which is the recovery/re-entry point for the fallen in Canada) in Ontario to the official office of the Chief Coroner for the Province of Ontario, where the official death certificate is issued from. The people lining it, are common people, most of whom have no direct connection to the military. This started as a few people doing this as a sign of respect, but word spread between the first occasion and the second. As of the last repatriation ceremony, there are now hundreds of people on each of the bridges, bring the total number into the 10's of thousands.

[@cliffgraham9892]

Over Pass bridges in the same province including some on the ighway of heroes are named for polices officers who were killed in the line of duty.

[@blackberrythorns]

after the mindless slaughter at the somme canadians insisted on leading themselves. under arthur currie they went on to victory after victory... vimy ridge, passchendaele, amiens, canal du nord, what the canadians did was incredible in the last 100 days... finishing with mons, which currie was criticized for. currie was the best general in WWI, though denigrated in canada after the war. WWII - the battle of ortona (little stalingrad), the canadians defeated elite german troops, they chased them all the way en route to rome breaking through every german line along the way. 25 miles from rome they were ordered to halt, they didn't know why as the germans were on the run. the americans were meant to cut the germans off north of rome but instead chose to march through rome like all conquering heroes, the canadians were furious. juno beach on d-day, the canadians took the heaviest losses as a percentage landed and still made it furthest inland completing the most objectives. the battle of the scheldt and the liberation of the netherlands they were thrust into a world war one nightmare again, they prevailed.

[@lindsayambler9706]

When the Song..Highway of Heroes is sung..not a dry Eye..One of My Sons did 2 Tours in Afghanistan..friends died..He was PTSD..

[@margaretchute7889]

I attended Every single repatriation of our soldiers. There are 50 bridges over 50 miles all filled . I live along this stretch 15 min fro the air force base they would fly into. My friends daughter was one if these brave sokdiers who came home this way

[@suesprason658]

I am Canadian and this makes me so proud.

[@elvishemeon389]

Highway 401 goes from the Quebec border on the east and all the way to Toronto and beyond. Trenton Ontario has a Canada Forces Base and landing for Air Force. Most soldiers returned came via Trenton. People gathered at the overpasses in the area and paid their respects. We can not comprehend their sacrifice , we salute them all.

[@dzed9191]

I tirned out for Nathan Cirillo who was murdered at the Canadian War Memorial in Ottawa. It was highly emotional to see his hearse pass under the bridge back to our common hometown of Hamilton, Ontario.

[@marytyson7890]

Thank you for honor Nathan Cirillo memory

[@cs-gas]

Yhe highway of heroes is a stretch of highway between CFT Trenton ( aitbase that is the landing point in Canada) and the federal coroners office in Toronto Canada. It is seen as the last trip a deceased member makes before the funeral.

[@cypinvic]

Thank you to whoever made this recommendation and thank you Mert for always being respectful.

[@mw-wl2hm]

I'm not sure if it was mentioned in the comments but the name Highway of Heroes is not just the unofficial name of this stretch of the 401 highway in Southern Ontario.. The portion of highway travelled by the soldiers actually has signs in both French & English that say "Highway of Heroes." (There are also others throughout Canada). The spontaneous support of soldiers arriving home is quite unique.. If I remember correctly, during the Iraq war, there was coverage on American news because in the States they were prohibited from showing footage of soldiers arriving home and the public wasn't made aware of the date.. the news mentioned why they couldn't do the same in their country. (Maybe others remember this as well.)

[@Scotian169]

My husband’s childhood friend was one of those killed. Highway of Heroes always gets me

[@sailorssmallfarm1867]

Canada is a big country as you know. Most of us live nowhere near the Highway of Heroes which is in Ontario, but we do see footage sometimes when a member of the Canadian Armed Forces is brought home. I was in the Navy for 16 years, what seems like a lifetime ago, and I think all of us who signed that dotted line to serve God Queen and Country (it WAS the Queen back then) though we might not have been aware of our mortality when we were young, became increasingly aware as our time in the Service lengthened. There but for the grace of God...and all that. Other commenters have alluded to the fact that public sentiment for the Armed Forces does fluctuate somewhat, and with it, the governmental recognition. We still take Remembrance Day pretty seriously here, but I feel there is a day coming when that may not be so - most World War II vets are now gone, and I think that moving forward, it is tributes like the Highway of Heroes that may be more meaningful to Canadians of the future. We are not really a people anymore who sees dying for freedom of others as a worthy cause as much as we once did, and I think that may well be true for other countries like the UK as well. Too many people are coming back broken, if not dead, and governments are increasingly pulling away from or being reluctant to step into global conflicts - whether rightly or wrongly. Thanks for looking at this one.

[@ruthking7884]

A very sad story about the one, Robert Mitchell. He was one of two siblings in my hometown. His parents only had the two boys. While Robert was away fighting, his brother was fighting cancer at home. Robert was killed on (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend, his brother was very ill but managed to make it to the ceremony. Sadly his brother (Mark) died on Boxing Day, just 10 weeks later. In the span of two and a half months they lost both boys. Robert never did make it back home to see his brother one more time before his death....

[@jeepster7806]

Brian Williams did a very nice report on this for the American news. Worth a watch as well