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Northumberland MPP Lou Rinaldi officially dedicated the stretch of Highway 401 from Trenton to Toronto the Highway of Heroes after the public brought forth a petition with over 60,000 signatures. People know my thoughts on this, and how grateful we all are for the soldiers and the sacrifices they, and their families make for our freedom and safety. I don't need to say anymore than that. This is Mr. Rinaldi's speech. Thank you all for coming out today...The word hero means many things to many people. When I think of heroes I am remind of these quotes. "A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." Today we honour the sacrifices of the brave men and women who so nobly and unselfishly have given the ultimate gift to defend the interests of the democracy abroad. In dedicating this stretch of highway as the "Highway of Heroes" as a permanent memorial, we forever honour their legacy and pay tribute to those we owe so much. For me, what is so touching is the outpouring of compassion of the fallen by the hundreds and hundreds of their follow citizens, who come out to stand on overpasses like this to pay their heartfelt respect to those who are no longer with us, and to show their support for the families left behind. This dedication was made possible by a grassroots swell of public sentiment and emotion, a grassroots movement of men, women and children, young and old alike from all walks of life, many who have never had any direct involvement with our brave military and their personnel. These individuals are brought together out of their desire to show the depths of the profound respect they have for our soldiers and their families. They not only share in the pain of the loss and the grief the families left behind feel, but more importantly they want the families to know we will never, ever forget the ultimate sacrifice those families have paid on all behalf. I personally want to thank Peter Fisher for his tireless advocacy and his personal passion that brought the concept of the "Highway of Heroes" to my attention. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and in the hauntingly beautiful images as captured by the lens of Pete Fisher, so many have been truly moved. Thank you Peter. Our "Highway of Heroes" will forever stand as a testament to selflessness. Every time a child passes seeing these signs and then asks, "what is the Highway of Heroes" it will be an opportunity to explain what real heroism is, what real heroism means to us all, and most importantly what is the ultimate sacrifice of the truly heroic. Thank you. |
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