NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.- A stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway between LANGLEY and ABBOTSFORD, BC, will officially be dedicated as "Highway of Heroes" in memory of B.C’s thirteen fallen Canadian Forces Members who lost their lives in Afghanistan and in honour of their families who have received Memorial Silver Crosses. The official dedication ceremony will be made by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to three Silver Cross Families at Honour House, 509 St. George Street in New Westminster, BC at 10am on Thursday June 9th, 2011.
In 2007 the Ministry of Transportation dedicated a stretch of Highway 401 in Toronto as "Highway of Heroes." The Ubique Unit of the 3rd Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Units (3rd CAV), a group of Veterans and supporters that ride motorcycles and support communities, set a goal last year to see that a "Highway of Heroes" was also dedicated in the West. "It is important to salute the sacrifices of the fallen men and women who have given their lives in Afghanistan and honour the Silver Cross Families they have left behind. We have 13 Silver Cross Families in BC alone and having a "Highway of Heroes" on each coast is necessary to recognize the contributions of the fallen and the great loss to our country. At the same time, it is important that we offer support to the CF members and families of those serving in the Canadian Forces and that is why the 3rd CAV has chosen to donate the proceeds of our annual motorcycle ride to Honour House and the Military Family Resources Centre (MFRC)" says Barry Drews, Vice President of 3rd CAV Ubique Unit. The 3rd CAV, worked together with Honour House Society, and the Honourable Joan McIntyre, MLA: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, to make this highway dedication a reality.
Honour House is a "home away from home" for Canadian Forces members, First Responders (Fire, Paramedics and Police) and their families, while they are receiving medical treatment in the Metro Vancouver area. "I am thrilled that the "Highway of Heroes" in BC will be ready in time for the "Ride for the Fallen" on June 11th. Honour House Society is extremely grateful that the 3rd CAV has chosen to donate the proceeds of this event to our organization. It is important that we are able to help and honour the heroes who serve and have served our country, as well as their families. This is the ultimate goal of Honour House" says Allan De Genova, President of Honour House Society.
Representatives and elected officials from all three levels of government will be in attendance. Silver Cross Families will be available for interviews on-site after the ceremony on June 9, 2011, by appointments made in advance only.
For more information please contact Melissa De Genova, Communications Liaison & Director, Honour House Society: (604) 767-8731 or [email protected]
PARKING AND EVENT ACCESS:
Public Parking is available on 6th Street. Due to the size of this event, St. George Street will be closed between 4th and 6th street to accommodate Canadian Forces and first responder vehicles