Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini recognizes the organizer of the Highway of Heroes Clean in the Ontario legislature.
On Thursday, March 11, 2021 MPP David Piccini praised the efforts of a group of volunteers who come out twice a year and clean 344 kilometre section of the Highway of Heroes.
In November 2016, Corporal Nick Kerr, Master Corporal (ret’d) Collin Fitzgerald and Kerri Tadeu adopted a 1.18 kilometre section of the highway in honour of Tadeu’s friend Major Michelle Knight Mendes who was the 118 soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Since then, Tadeu has created a legacy for her friend along with other soldiers who died in Afghanistan and were repatriated at CFB Trenton then driver along the Highway of Heroes to the coroner’s office in Toronto.
Twice a year, volunteers join to clean the garbage along the sacred stretch of soil.
Piccini spoke in the legislature of Knight Mendes’ military career and Tadeu’s lasting legacy for her friend.
“Her family tribute said she touched so many lives it would be impossible to name everyone.”
“She lived everyday to its fullest potential and saw the best in everyone.”
“Mr. Speaker it’s in that spirit that her friend Kerri Tadeu brings together a truly remarkable group of volunteers, Silver Cross mothers, and veterans to clean up the on and off-ramps along the Highway of Heroes.”
Piccini reminisced about gathering along the bridges along the Highway of Heroes when a fallen soldier and their family passed by. People would stand in silence with Canadian flags paying respects to the fallen and their families.
Premier Ford along with Piccini have also cleaned along the Highway of Heroes in Grafton to honour the soldiers.
“I’d like to thank all the remarkable volunteers for honouring our brave men and women, for taking part in the clean-up and I would encourage everyone to do it this season.”
Note: If anyone is interested in helping clean the Highway of Heroes contact Kerri Tadeu at 613-539-1312 or ktadeu@cogeco.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
