We are getting a Veterans' Memorial Highway

I was once again honoured this year to take part in The Warriors Day parade at the Norfolk Fair; an annual tradition that provides us the opportunity to recognize past and present serving members of our armed forces -- most importantly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

How appropriate it was to have Mrs. Frances Nunn take the salute this year. Mrs. Nunn served as a Sergeant with the Canadian Armed Forces during World War II, and became the Simcoe Legion’s only female President.

The recognition of Frances Nunn makes one think.

I think of WWII, where my mother served with the Red Cross while my mother-in-law worked with the farm program. And my grandmother organized Womens' Institutes to send tons of Norfolk jam to British children.

I think of Alice Truesdale, the nurse who died during World War I. Her name is inscribed on Simcoe’s Carillon tower. And I think of the nurse who travelled overseas at that time with 300 young volunteers from Six Nations.

At this time of year there are numerous events that call on all of us to stop, think, and remember.

Recently I attended the re-dedication of Simcoe’s Trinity Church memorial chapel; one of the few church memorial chapels in Canada.

Last week I had the chance to travel Valour Road in Winnipeg. Pine Street, as the route was originally named, was changed to “Valour Road” to honour three Victoria Cross recipients, Corporal Leonard Clarke, Sergeant Major Frederick Hall, and Lieutenant Robert Shankland - honoured for their heroics in the Great War.
 
In a similar fashion, roadside signs marking our area’s deep gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to defending the people of Canada are beginning to appear along Townline-County Road 20. This is in anticipation of November 1st’s official ceremony to dedicate a Veterans Memorial Highway through Haldimand, New Credit, Six Nations, Norfolk and Brant in honour of local war veterans.

Some 14 signs will grace the side of the roadway as a lasting testament to those who have sacrificed everything to ensure the protection of the freedoms and rights we all cherish.
 
Kudos to all those involved in making this designation a reality. Derek Pite of the South Brant Legion led the charge on this significant initiative and our local municipalities will bear the cost of the signage.

The dedication ceremony taking place the morning of November 1st at the Hagersville Legion Branch 164 will follow Legion protocol, including the ‘March on the Colours’ and anthems, and feature an unveiling of the 5 different signs - representing each of the five communities involved - that will grace the roadside of our Veterans Memorial Highway.

Of course the November 1st ceremony and dedication is just one of many occasions in which we honour the service of our veterans. Leading up to November 11th Remembrance Day ceremonies there are many other events in which we can all give a heartfelt thank you to those who made the greatest sacrifice.

At veterans’ halls across Haldimand and Norfolk, there are ample opportunities for us to see and be inspired by the historical reminders of the great conflicts in which our veterans served. Many paid the ultimate price to protect the values which we all hold in common.