A number of youths came out on Saturday to clean a sacred stretch of soil that is known as the Highway of Heroes.
The stretch of highway was named after fallen Canadian soldiers arrived home and traveled along what became known as the Highway of Heroes from CFB Trenton to Toronto to the coroner’s office.
Kingston resident, Kerri Tadeu along with a veteran and soldier adopted the 344 km stretch of highway and working with the MTO who designate what areas can be cleaned, Tadeu has been out twice a year with volunteers cleaning the sections of highway.
The second annual Youth Day was held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 where youths from six different schools including Cornwall, Kingston and Harrington arrived to clean the area around Glen Miller Road in Trenton which is the starting point of the Highway of Heroes.
Tadeu said it was a day in which youth can participate in cleaning the Highway of Heroes with their parents and receive a history lesson on what this sacred stretch of soil means to Canadians.
The volunteers were joined by Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison and his wife.
“This is fantastic,” said Harrison as the group was getting ready for the cleaning.
“It’s unbelievable that somebody would organize this,” Harrison said praising Tadeu’s efforts.
“I find it difficult to organize a group to clean up within our own city.”
With the garbage being collected twice a year by volunteers, Harrison commends everyone taking part.
“This is a real asset to us and every municipality.”
“Volunteers in everything we do are so important and this is another example.”
Tadeu said she has appreciated the ongoing support of Harrison of the Quinte West community.
“Mayor Harrison has always taken the time to meet the volunteers who often travel long distances to clean and he thank them for their time in making a difference in his community”
Tadeu has been organizing the Spring and Fall Cleans on the Highway of Heroes and year after year Silver Cross Mother Anna Loveman is right beside her leading the volunteers having arrived in a Canadian Heroes vehicle dedicated to her son Craftsman Kyle Sinclair who died in Petawawa in 2014. A special section on the Highway of Heroes in Port Hope is dedicated to remembering Sinclair.
“When you know better you do better and Youth Day for me has become a very important day during the Spring and Fall Cleans as it’s an opportunity educate our next generation on the service and sacrifices our Canadian Armed Forces Members make for our freedom”
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
