Every year on November 11 we honour those who served in uniform — Remembrance Day — so we never forget the sacrifices that have been made for the unprecedented freedoms we enjoy today. But did you know that Canada is host to the world’s largest living memorial to the fallen? The Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute Memorial visibly demonstrates our respect for our soldiers every day of the year.
The Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute Memorial is intended to honour all Canadians who have served during war, conflict and peace time since Canada’s Confederation.
After the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001 — what we now refer to as 9/11— Canada joined international efforts to secure and rebuild Afghanistan. While serving there, 158 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members lost their lives.
In 2002, when the fallen CAF members were repatriated to CFB Trenton, Ontario, a very Canadian thing started to happen. As the fallen’s remains were escorted from the airbase to the coroner’s office in Toronto, the public gathered to pay their respects. Hundreds, and then very soon thousands, of people turned out to stand on the side of the road and on bridges along the 170-km stretch of Highway 401 between the two cities. Together, they quietly offered their respects as the official cars drove past, reflecting on the meaning of the sacrifice while waving Canadian flags in a final patriotic salute to these heroes.
Soon after the first Canadian soldiers were driven along the route, it became unofficially known as the “Highway of Heroes” — a name that in 2007 the Government of Ontario made official.
In 2014, as Canada’s mission in Afghanistan was drawing to a close, a group of Canadians were inspired to transform the Highway of Heroes into a permanent, living tribute to all of Canada’s veterans.
The goal of the Highway of Heroes Tree campaign was to plant two million trees — one for every Canadian who has served in uniform since the War of 1812. Of these, 117,000 trees were to be planted directly along the Highway of Heroes as a living memorial to each military member who died in service.
Thanks to the overwhelming support for this initiative from 3,500 private donors, 4,000 volunteers and $10 million raised, 2.5 million trees have been planted across the 170 km stretch of the Highway of Heroes, far exceeding the initial goal. During Remembrance Week in 2022, the last tree completing this campaign was planted at Fort York.
You can see The Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute at more than 50 sites along Highway 401 in Ontario, especially between Trenton and Keele Street in Toronto. Traditionally, yellow ribbons are used to symbolize public support for our troops. Inspired by these ribbons, yellow tree wraps are used to mark the Tribute trees, making them easily identifiable. The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign has also installed stainless steel plaques at each of its public planting sites.
The living Highway of Heroes Tree Tribute Memorial symbolizes our collective duty to protect the land and freedom for which our fallen fought and paid the ultimate sacrifice to uphold. In today’s uncertain world, this means more than it ever has before and bears repeating — “Never again.”
Trees for Life
Despite reaching — and surpassing — its goal, the tribute didn’t end.
Inspired by the over 2 million health workers, first responders and more who helped us all get through the pandemic, yet another uniquely Canadian thing happened. During and after, there was a huge outpouring of gratitude from everyone who felt that the committment of frontline workers needed acknowledgment.
This display of gratitude inspired the creation of a unique campaign — Trees for Heroes. Through Trees for Life, trees are being planted to honour all the heroes who make our country better. The initial focus was on health workers and those who suffered ill effects from the pandemic, but since heroes do many different things and take on many forms, any hero is welcome into this growing community.
Trees for Life is a national charity committed to continuing the work that was started with the Highway of Heroes. They continue to plant native trees and shrubs where we live, work and play to grow our tree canopy and help combat climate change while continuing to honour even more heroes across the country. They are also committed to honouring your heroes with online memories and living legacies. Share a story about your personal hero or have your heart touched by reading through the stories of others.
Together we can leave a healthier Canada for future generations. Let’s build on the momentum created through the Highway of Heroes and continue to grow greener communities across Canada!
To learn more, get involved, sign up for the newsletter or make a donation, visit www.treesforlife.ca
This Remembrance Day, plan to show your respect to the veterans who fought and died for us. Visit www.veterans.ca and use their event locator tool to find a Remembrance Day ceremony near you.
Canadians honouring the fallen as they return along the Highway of Heroes. (Photo: www.canadianheroes.com)