Two memorials along the Highway of Heroes are being removed as soon as possible after multiple names were listed as having paid the “ultimate sacrifice.”
The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign installed the two memorials are called Presence in Absence and are currently installed at the ONroute on Highway 401 eastbound in the Municipality of Port Hope and at the westbound ONroute west of Trenton.
The unveiling of both took place in November 9, 2022 with a number of dignitaries attending from municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.
Although the memorials have been up for two-years the error was spotted only recently.
A press release at the unveiling said that both sculptures feature the silhouettes of 67 members from the Canadian Armed Forces. The profile portraits are revealed in the negative spaces of the design.
“Between these ‘absent’ characters, delicate structures were carved and cast as entwined leaves, branches and bark.”
Mike Hurley, Executive Director, Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign said he takes full blame for the error and apologizes to anyone who is affected by the error.
“I am putting my hand up to take the blame for this one,” said Hurley in a e-mail to Today’s Northumberland.
Hurley said a person working on the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign at the time had been delegated to the project.
The person has since been terminated, but Hurley said it is ultimately his responsibility which he owns up too.
“While I did not personally have a hand in selecting each name that was included, I did sign off on it, so I accept responsibility for the lapse in good judgement. Any lack of due diligence performed falls squarely on me and only me.”
Of the 67 silhouettes, there are “multiple” names incorrectly listed as having “paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
“We acknowledge that this was a mistake that should not have happened. Our intention behind the commissioning of these installations was to commemorate the completion of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign and the planting of over 2 million trees in honour of all Canadians that have served in the Armed Forces since Confederation.”
Hurley said in a written statement, “the absolute furthest thing from our intentions was to offend anyone, especially those that have bravely served our country in uniform. Although words cannot express how truly disappointed we are that this mistake was not caught before the installations and their accompanying plaques were produced and installed, we would like to formally apologize to all those that were affected and their families. We remain grateful for their service to our country. They truly are heroes in every sense of the word.”
Reaching out to ONroute for comment they stated, “ONroute is a proud supporter of Canadian service personnel and armed forces. Since learning of errors in the Trees for Life memorials, we have asked that the statues be removed.”
Hurley confirmed they are in the process of removing both memorials this week.
“Once again, we apologize to all of those affected. Please know that this was never our intention,” said Hurley.
Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign Unveils Art Installations After Surpassing 2 Million Tree Goal
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
