The New Brunswick chapter of the Canadian Army Veteran Motorcycle Unit (2CAV) is asking their province to designate a section of road as a Highway of Heroes.
Many Canadians are familiar with the concept of a Highway of Heroes – Ontario’s stretch of highway under this name is often featured in the news as fallen soldiers returning from overseas are driven from CFB Trenton to the Toronto coroners office, with hundreds of people paying their respects from overpasses along the way. British Columbia also designated a section of road as a Highway of Heroes this spring.
Of course, Canada has mostly ended its combat role in Afghanistan, so the route would rarely be used to honour returning fallen soldiers. But, the riders of 2CAV say it would also encourage returning soldiers who could still be suffering mental stress after returning from combat and serve as a memorial to all men and women who’ve ever fought for Canada.
Outlaw motorcycle gangs have grabbed some newspaper headlines in the province lately, so 2CAV riders are also being very careful to let government know they aren’t a bunch of bike-riding thugs – many members are serving or retired military or police personnel, although civilians are also included in the group.
It’s unclear whether or not the government will pick up the bikers’ plans to designate a new Highway of Heroes, but it’s worth noting New Brunswick already has a road designated as a Veteran’s Highway outside Moncton; the provincial government may simply re-name that road.
