Stretch of 401 to be renamed 'Highway of Heroes'

The stretch of Highway 401 running from Trenton, Ont., to Toronto will be officially renamed the Highway of Heroes in remembrance of Canada's fallen soldiers.

Ontario's provincial government consulted the federal government, municipalities along the highway and the Royal Canadian Legion about the name change on Friday.

The highway will not lose its official designation at the MacDonald-Cartier Freeway, but signs will be erected designating the route as the Highway of Heroes.

The design of the signs has yet to be determined.

The man behind the online petition in support of renaming a section of Canada's busiest highway says he has been overwhelmed by the response.

Jay Forbes had been receiving between 400 and 500 signatures a day in support of the name "Highway of Heroes" but the amount of people signing the petition has rapidly increased over the last few days.

"In the first four days I had 4,500 signatures," Forbes told CTV's Canada AM on Friday morning. "But now...I (have) 20,000."

Forbes decided to create the petition after seeing positive feedback toward an article on the Internet about renaming a section of Highway 401 the Highway of Heroes.

"I just had enough time and I whipped up a petition," Forbes said.

The support for the petition has come at a time when, residents, police officers and firefighters have been gathering to salute and wave flags on Highway 401 overpasses while motorcades carrying the bodies of soldiers killed in Afghanistan make their way to the coroner's office in Toronto.

Forbes' actions have been supported by retired Lt.-Col. Peter Dawe, whose son Capt. Matthew Dawe was killed in Afghanistan in July.

Dawe said that his son would have been supportive of renaming a section of the highway.

"I think there's a need for Canadians to show support for the troops to recognize the sacrifice," Dawe said.

It would also provide healing and support families of fallen soldiers, he said.

"At the same time I think we need to keep our eye on the rest of the military who are putting it on the line for our great country every day," Dawe said. "So somehow, you've got to balance that."

Nevertheless, Dawe feels the support from a cross-section of Canadians gathering on the highway overpasses is an "incredible phenomenon."

It's a show of support that the creator of the petition has successfully transferred to the online realm.

"It's truly amazing to see and it just goes to show how many people do support the troops in Canada," Forbes said. "It's just great."

With files from The Canadian Press

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Brian
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"Heroism is an act above and beyond the normal"

By definition, serving in Afghanistan, and giving your life for a task your government ordered you to undertake, is above and beyond normal. My company lost 9 men in Afghanistan, including Matt Dawe, in six months. I saw things I'll never forget. Please find some time between kissing your wife goodbye in the morning and stopping at Tim Hortons on your way to work to realize what such a small gesture means to comrades of these fallen men. When our boys who escorted the fallen home returned to theatre, the pictures they brought of the packed overpasses, the people holding flags and supportive signs, brought tears to my eyes. I'm not asking you to understand, because you surely don't, but at least show some respect.

Neil randlesome
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I agree with the petition and think it's a great way to honour our fallen. I think people should be more grateful for what these soldiers are doing for us all and support them any way they can.

Dave from Borden
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Being part of the “Military Family” and having served in both Afghanistan and Bosnia, I can tell you that while abroad and reading a Canadian newspaper seeing that our families, friends and communities support our efforts is paramount. No one in his/her right mind wants to do what we are sent to do but we signed the dotted line and respect that.

I think renaming the highway is a great idea; it’s a positive tap in the back for the troops. I would like to quote a bumper sticker I’ve observed lately. “If you don’t back-up our troops feel free to stand in front of them.”

Claudio
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I think this is a great idea. However, I think we as a country need to make a better effort to honor the troops that make it home alive as well.

J. Sarradet
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The correct name should be "Highway of Tears".

Joe C
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I agree that merely serving in Afghanistan does not automatically make you a hero. What does make you a hero, though, is risking life and limb to save/protect/help others. This includes soldiers, police, fire crews, etc. This is an excellent idea.

JTJ
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Very nice to see this BUT, I smell an election coming and the timing smells fishy... This gesture should of been done a LONG LONG time ago!!!

Sheryl
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Who has even heard of Highway 416? The 401 is known to just about every Canadian, so this stretch of highway is perfect...it has NOTHING to do with it being a 'Toronto thing'. Get a grip.

'Highway of Heroes' is a fantastic idea and as a Canadian, anything that honours our soldiers, I'm in support of.

david
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In time the "HIGHWAY OF HEROES" will probably be called the "HOH" highway much like the 401 because it's short and easy to say. I support a memorial to the soldiers however I'm not sure this is the best and most memorable way to honour them. People are preocuppied with driving their cars and not giving to much thought to fallen soldiers in that moment.

Donna
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For those that have negative comments about this action, I would like to say, that is your right. However, that right has been given to you and protected by the fallen soldiers from the past and the present. This acknowledgement is the least we as Canadian can do to support our troops.

Narin, Montreal.
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Late action but better than nothing. It is very sad that the recognition of the great task that soldiers have done only to be acknowledged after their death. The soldiers must be considered heroes since the day they start serving their country, not just only after their death. They must be respected at any time during their life and after living without any conditions.

2 CMBG Signal Sqd
said
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This is a great idea! GOD BLESS our troops and there families. One of my best friends was killed overseas and he took this section of highway. He is a hero. He laid down his life so that ours can be safer and free. Cpl Matthew McCully we miss you and love you.

Liz
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I agree with Bonnie...bring them home before we lose them all.... Yes, I understand they are on a mission but it is time to leave... the oil is here in Calgary!! We certainly dont need the poppies and we have all the natural resources here in Canada - The children need their fathers, wives need their husbands etc. Please bring them home. They don't deserve to die.

R. Barker Warrant Officer (Retired)
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KUDOS to the the man who started the petition and to ALL the people involved in dedicating this section of highway to the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan and in fact all Nato and UN missions. It is very appropriate in that Trenton Air Base is where most or all of the troops must fly out of and return from Afghanistan.

Torre
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I cannot believe anyone having anything negative to say about this generous and patriotic gesture. Well done! What else can we do?

Sophie, Ottawa
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What a tacky name!

Heroes can mean anyone; maybe they should consider making the difference between FALLEN and SUPERMAN...

Simon
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This is a mistake. The word hero is seriously compromised by overuse in other contexts. And, combat soldiers are doing their duty, not automatically becoming heroes. Heroism is an act above and beyond the normal.

If a highway is to be named it should be named as "Soldiers Highway" or "Armed Forces Highway", or some such.

Dan
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In addition, many people post comments stating that they do not support the war, this could be because they do not agree with war or possibly that they do not understand why we are there. Either way, whether to support it or not will not change us being there, what we need to do is support our troops so that they can see that their nation is behind them and wish them the best. As a serving member who will be deployed to Afghanistan, I notice that support of our members is sorely lacking and this need to be changed, the men and woman of the CF are working to preserve your way of life and you should be thankful.

Breagh Goudey
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I think that renaming this highway is a wonderful thing. I am part of a group called the Maple Grove & Yarmouth High Memorial Club. The purpose of this club is to honour our veterans and soldiers. I am ashamed to hear people thinking that renaming a highway is ridiculous. In Nova Scotia, just outside of Halifax we have part of a highway named "Veterans Memorial Highway" and underneath that on the sign it says "Lest We Forget". I suppose the people who think renaming the 401 would also think that this section of highway in Nova Scotia is ridiculous as well. These soldiers that have died in Afghanistan have paid a large price.

Mike
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Highway of Heroes is too cliched and sounds like a comic book.

Rememberance Road or Veterans Highway would be more elegant names that will stand the test of time and express the dignity that the people who sacrifice their lives for Canada deserve.

Richard
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Rob O,
The connection is very simple: when the soldiers' bodies are en route to CFB Trenton, they travel down that stretch of the 401. There's a number of overpasses there, and people often stop to give a final farewell and salute to the soldiers that have died while serving our country in Afghanistan.

It is a very nice gesture and tribute by the Ontario Government to the Canadian Forces, and I applaud it.

Allison in Trenton
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HURRAY!
And congrats to Jay Forbes!! The name is perfect!! Throughout the Maritimes, 'Veterans Memorial Highway' is over-used. This particular stretch of highway 401 has become VERY significant in the last few years!! (The highway our fallen heros travel upon returning to Canada)
Kudos all around!

The Demelo Family
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As a mother of a Canadian soldier, I thank you all for your support. My deepest condolences to the families of lost soldiers, I do not pretend to know how you feel as I can not bring myself to imagine the loss. But we as families of the C.A.F. feel your pain. Highway of Heroes!

IV
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I think this is immensely stupid and political, especially given the fact that Hwy 416 is already the Veteran's Memorial Highway. Guess what Toronto - just because YOU don't have something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Rick Bryant
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I am in agrement that we should honour our soldiers. If I understand corectly the highway rename has come about for those who have fallen in Afghanistan which is great. But, what about those that have fallen in other wars? What about those soldiers that have completed their tour in Afghanistan and returned? Shouldn't we stand up and honour them too? After all, they put their lives on line also.

David G
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It is a good intention however - where do we stop on the highway to pay our respects? I agree - a memorial would be the better thing to do that can be viewed for the ages to come in remembrance much like the several memorials Canada already has paying tribute. I am all for honouring our soldiers whether one agrees with the war or not - however, politicians are easily swayed by public opinion and as the petition gained momentum McGuinty siezed the opportunity to gain public support - so close to an election too. It is no surprise that most politicians are opportunists when it comes to shining brightly in the media - I believe however that this is the cheap way out of erecting a proper memorial. Kudos to the petition starter as that is grassroots politics - just would like to think that it was done by the politicians for the right reasons. Would it have happened as quickly if there were not a looming election - I think not.

Kris Dubuque
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How about we support the troops by ensuring that they have the right equipment for the environment they’re in?

We have lost almost 70 soldiers in the current war - almost none were during combat. They are being killed because they are travelling in light armoured vehicles.

Stickers, memorials and so on are great. But I think providing our soldiers with adequate equipment would be better. Maybe it’s just me…

Chris
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First off I think the renaming of the 401 is far too premature, and seems like good old Dalton trying to appeal to the Ontario voting public on the eve of an election. I think it would be better to wait a number of years before rushing to erect memorials to those who served in Afghanistan. This is tantamount to erecting a memorial in the middle of the First or Second World War. It simply was not done, and with good reason.

If we are going to rename a section of the 401 it should be Highway of Honour, not Highway of Heroes. We throw around the term hero all too frequently these days, if you are a Hero you generally end up getting a military decoration for your service.

As any member of the CF and they will tell you that merely serving does not make you a hero. Similarly serving in Afghanistan does not make you a hero. These people are doing their jobs, and they are doing it well, but none of this constitutes heroism.

Michael
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Why the 401? How about a stretch along Veterans Memorial Highway which is the 416? I think we have enough focus on TORONTO in Ontario and Canada. Sounds more to me that Dalton is looking to create "warm and fuzzies" in the minds of the voting public of the GTA. We do have an election coming soon dont we? Just a coincidence? I don't think so, just more lame manipulation of the masses.

Daniel
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As I interpret it, the highway will still be "highway 401", however it will officially become the "highway of heroes" along this stretch, as opposed to the "McDonald-Cartier Freeway"... correct me if I am wrong!
If anyone has noticed, the signs on the 401 designating it the McDonald-Cartier Freeway have been disappearing of late anyway. This is a great gesture to honour the sacrifice of our soldiers. Not just in Afghanistan, but everywhere they serve.

Captain Lance Usher
said
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I think this is a great tribute to our soldiers who have paid the supreme sacrifice to help those who need it in war torn countries and to keep Canada safe. Consideration should also be given to remembering the other services who lay down their lives in the line of duty, such as police officers

David
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Canadian soldiers are paving the way for our freedom...honoring and remembering them is a must.

damien
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Well done, it is a meager tribute compared to the sacrifices made by our soldiers, but appropriate never the less.

Bonnie Kohrs Kitchener
said
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It's the absolute least we can do for these brave men and women fighting the fight for us. I don't condone the war, but I support our troops. May God keep them safe!

Rob O.
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this is a bit ridiculous. It's a highway. Put up a memorial. Many people travel the 401, and many get into accidents on the 401. When did it become cool to name a road for cars after dead soldiers. I don't see the connection. Patriotism is one thing, but 401 is simpler than highway of heroes. This is absurd.

joan mackinnon
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Whilst a lot of Canadians want our troops to come home, I feel that all of us whole heartedly support our soldiers. I do not agree with being in Afganistan. I think changing part of the 401 highway to Highway of Heros is fitting and most appropriate. I personally have great respect for all our troops. Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice must be honoured, in a lasting and permanent way.

Allison
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The spirit of this is wonderful, however do we have to go with this particular name? It sounds like we're renaming a major thoroughfare after a Stanley Cup win. How about the less cumbersome, more dignified "Heroes Way"?

Mary Mc Graw
said
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It's a wonderful idea, especially for the families. I will be very disappointed if it doesn't happen. Thanks to the boy who started the petition.

JB
said
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I'a all for honouring the fallen but how many millions will we have to spend to change the signs on the 401 to their new ceremonial name? Couldn't this money be better directed elsewhere?

bonnie
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I think it would be a good idea, however, what would be better is to bring the troops home before they are all gone!!!!

Freeman and Ruth Casey
said
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Please consider adding a series of Canadian flags and the names of the fallen enlarged over the highway passes for all to see how proud we are and how grateful we are for their sacrifice. How about adding a easily viewed memorial garden along the way.

Norma
said
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I have read many negative comments on this suggestion, I must say this is the first thing Dalton M. has done to impress me. Political move or not has no bearing on the end result.The request is for a SECTION of the 401,Therefore regardless of what name the 401 may have I don't think Mr Mcdonald- Cartier is going to rise up from the grave and protest a portion being renamed in honor of these young modern heroes.