The Canadian Forces Joint Operations Support Group helped kick off the bi-annual Highway of Heroes Clean on Monday, October 3, 2022.
A number of soldiers from the unit which is celebrating its 10th anniversary were present along with Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison for the act of remembrance at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial in Trenton.
Colonel Heather Morrison and Major Jerrica Cull were presented with a certificate from Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison that read:
“Remembrance is a powerful act that helps ensure that heroism, service and sacrifice are never forgotten. Gathering today at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial following your efforts in cleaning the Highway of Heroes during the annual fall clean in memory of Major Michelle Knight-Mendes, shows great respect as you prepare to commemorate the 10″ Anniversary of the Canadian
Forces Joint Operations Support Group on October 5, 2022.
On behalf of the City of Quinte West, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for stepping up to clean the Highway of Heroes where 158 Canadian fallen soldiers were repatriated home during the Afghanistan conflict.
Lest We Forget our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom.
Presented October 3, 2022
Sincerely,
Mayor Jim Harrison
The City of Quinte West”
For some soldiers it was the first time they’ve had the chance to see the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial with the names of 158 Canadian soldiers on it.
Kingston resident, Kerri Tadeu who along with two others adopted the Highway of Heroes and has spearheaded a group to clean the highway twice a year for the last six years in Grafton, brought the Highway of Heroes Memorial Globe to the ceremony.
The globe is named after Major Michelle Knight Mendes who died in Afghanistan and was a good friend of Tadeu’s.
It depicts the journey of the fallen soldier from Afghanistan, to CFB Trenton and along the Highway of Heroes to the coroner’s office.
The globe will also be at the Joint Operations Support Group headquarters in Kingston.
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
