Highway of Heroes

The news reported last week that there are plans in the works to rename a section of the 401 the "Highway of Heroes". The particular stretch they are looking at is the approx. 170 Km stretch between CFB Trenton where the bodies of soldiers killed overseas returns to Canada, and Toronto where they bodies go for forensic testing of some sort. There was at least an on-line petition that collected in excess of 14,000 'signatures' in support of this.

Well, in the Hamilton Spec this morning was an editorial by an elderly Ancaster gentleman who, to say the least wasn't in favour of the idea. So it got me to thinking.

Most of the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan are those that are referred to as 'Reg Force'; or Regular Forces. These are the men and women who are full time career sailors, soldiers, and airmen. This is what I will say about the full time, professional soldiers: First, when you sign the dotted line you know the chance exists that you will go into harms' way. Second, no one wants to avoid an armed conflict more than a professional soldier. In fact, they train very hard to prevent them.

Augmenting the regulars are the reservists; the soldier who for the longest time held the moniker of the 'weekend warrior'. These men and women are today exceptionally well trained and volunteer to leave employment and often loved ones behind so that they can do what many believe to be their share. The risks they face are no less tangible.

More and more reservists are needed overseas in a multitude of roles because we (as a nation) just don't have that many full time soldiers. Add to it that recruitment is a tough process and there aren't that many applying these days. In fact, there are many professions where the army will grant a 'signing bonus' because the need is so great. We just don't have the troops to do everything the government wants them to do. But I digress.


Whether or not you agree with the reasons our troops are overseas is immaterial. Their status as heroes is, in my opinion, is unquestioned.

Be well all.