'Highway of Heroes' signs officially unveiled

Updated Fri. Sep. 7 2007 11:39 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

The Ontario government has unveiled "Highway of Heroes" signs along a stretch of Highway 401, formally dedicating the route to Canada's fallen soldiers.  

The 172-kilometre stretch, officially designated as the MacDonald-Cartier Freeway, extends from Toronto to Trenton.

It is the route taken to transport the bodies of fallen soldiers to the coroner's office in Toronto once they return to Canada.

Large crowds -- including veterans and emergency service personnel -- have routinely gathered on the highway's overpasses to wave flags in support of the troops.

 

Premier Dalton McGuinty said Friday that the signs will serve as a commemoration of the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers.

"The road that links Ontario and Quebec is named in honour of the two leaders who gave life to our young nation more than 140 years ago," said McGuinty. "It is enormously fitting, then, that we dedicate a portion of this very road in honour of those who gave their lives for our nation."

Ontario's provincial government consulted the federal government, municipalities along the highway and the Royal Canadian Legion before approving the name change.The signs are in response to an online petition in support of renaming the highway that was overwhelmed with responses.

"This Highway of Heroes reminds us that our freedom, safety and prosperity is often purchased by the sacrifices of others," said McGuinty. "We owe them a great debt -- and while we can never repay that debt, we can see to it that their courage and commitment will always be remembered."

 

With files from The Canadian Press

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