Since Afghanistan, Northumberland County residents have lined the bridges along the Highway of Heroes paying their respects to our fallen sons and daughters and their families.
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026 was no exception with likely all bridges along the Highway of Heroes having either ordinary citizens or emergency services on them.
The repatriation ceremony at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton, for Canadian Armed Forces Gunner Sebastian Halmagean, who died while deployed on Operation Reassurance near Riga, Latvia was held at 3 p.m.
Shortly after the procession traveled along Highway 401, or aptly named the Highway of Heroes to Toronto.
Starting in Brighton, emergency services including members of the Brighton Fire Department, Northumberland OPP, CN Police, Correctional Officers and citizens lined the County Road 30 bridge.
Once the procession passed Brighton heading west, Brighton Fire Departments relayed to their neighbouring the fire service that it won’t be long before it arrives in their area.
Bridge after bridge as the procession passed through Cramahe Township, Alnwick/Haldimand Township, Hamilton Township, Cobourg and finally Port Hope, people were on them.
Silver Cross mother Anna Loveman, MPP David Piccini, Legion members. The list goes on.
From every walk of life, including veterans. And not only from this area.
A veteran came down from Vaughan to pay his respects. A mother whose son took basic training with Halmagean drove down with her mother from their home near London. She stood on the bridge holding the flag in tears for the soldier and his family.
Her son was taking part in the repatriation at CFB Trenton, but before the ceremony, he gave her a flag to wave at the bridge.
Shortly after the procession passed by Port Hope, people spoke to each other saying goodbyes, handshakes were given. And in the end, at least for Northumberland County residents we know that if the need arises again. We will be there. To honour the soldier, to pay our respects for both the soldier and their family.
And to let that family know we share in their grief and to let them know they are not alone.
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
