It began innocently enough. We passed a police cruiser as we pulled onto the westbound lanes of the highway. Then another parked on the shoulder a little further down. We saw a fire truck positioned on an overpass as we entered Oshawa, lights aglow. A small crowd huddled around it, bracing against the cold night air. The next overpass was the same. Then another. And another. It dawned on us. Tonight, another fallen Canadian solider was making his way to the coroner’s office in Toronto.
We finally pulled off the highway in Whitby, unable to pass so many scenes of support and love without taking part. It wasn’t my first time standing shoulder to shoulder with my fellow Canadians, waiting for a hearse to pass below, but I hoped it would be the last. The crowd was a mix of firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens. One man brought his young daughter, squeezing her hand tight as she leaned over the guardrail.
Waiting for the convoy to pass, a variety of emotions passed over me. I was saddened by the loss of another Canadian solider. I was frustrated and angry that another human being had to die in this terrible war. But, I was also immensely proud. Proud of our fighting men and women. Proud to be a citizen of this fine country. Proud of the people standing on that bridge, holding Canadian flags. Proud of that father, providing such a fine example for his daughter.
It isn’t difficult to tell when the convoy is approaching. Slowly, you begin to notice fewer and fewer cars passing by, until finally there are none at all. And then, you see the flashing lights in the distance. Military vehicles, O.P.P. cruisers, and Durham Region cruisers, lights flashing and sirens wailing. They hold formation around the hearse and accompanying vehicles, guiding them down the road. Ensuring that now, in their greatest moment of need, the family of the fallen is shown the utmost kindness and respect.
As they approached, what little conversation was taking place came to a stop. We stood, toes against the cement, and silently paid tribute to those passing below us. I hoped, by this tiny gesture, we could lighten the burden placed on the family the slightest bit. I hoped, as they saw overpass after overpass filled with people, they knew the country was behind them. Politics went out the window.
And then, it was over. Silent, unsure of how to feel about what had transpired, we filed back to our cars. One by one. Flags folded, warning lights shut off, we all hoped we would never again find ourselves standing on a bridge, welcoming another fallen solider home.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
A touching story Brian. I’m sure the family of the soldier drew great strength from what they saw.
It must be a tremendous feeling being a member of the Canadian armed forces, knowing that you have the love and respect of the people you are fighting for, a feeling many British service men and women have never known. I can’t imagine a scene like this playing out on the streets of the UK, and that saddens me even more.
It’s good to know that at least somewhere, people still appreciate the job these men and women do, and the sacrifices they make.
Thank you Ian, I certainly hope it helped those grieving that day. While I have never been a fan of the conflict in Afghanistan, I hope the people of this country understand that there is a difference between supporting the war and supporting our troops. They are pushing for positive changes in Afghanistan and have faced some of the toughest fighting yet seen.
It’s unfortunate that you can’t imagine such a scene happening in the UK. Here in Canada, the gatherings on the overpasses began with only a few and have grown each time. They are truly a gesture from the everyday citizens of this country. As I mentioned in my post, politics truly go out the window.
Well written Brian.
I’ve just retired from 20-years in the Canadian Forces, and what a change it has been. I’m proud of those early days, as we were part of the largest military alliance in the world, that stared down the Russians, long enough to see them back down from Eastern Europe. The last eight years have seen the military thrust into the Canadian spotlight, and even though it is often due to sad events like the one you have captured - it is what we serve for. We are a volunteer Army that knows all too well what could happen. It is hard to explain why people still join up when they know the dangers, but I’m just happy they still do; and I pray that nothing happens to them. What we have seen happen on the 401 between Trenton and Toronto is not just a comfort for the families of those who have died, it is also an inspiration to those families who still have loved ones overseas, or training to deploy, that Canadians do acknowledge the sacrifices. I served in Afghanistan in 2003-04, I’ve seen first hand what the Taliban did, and believe me when I say THANK YOU for taking that time to stop and think of that soldier and his family.
Jim,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. Canadians have a proud military tradition and it’s inspiring to see men and women like yourself continuing to do us proud. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It is my sincere hope that, much like the father on that overpass, my generation can hold those values dear and pass them along to our children.
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