British Columbia is home to many heroes. Some have accomplished amazing feats, while others have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country. And some have done both.
On June 9, 2011, the Trans-Canada Highway between 152 Street exit in Surrey and the Sumas exit in Abbotsford was dedicated to the memory of these extraordinary British Columbians, and to the families they left behind. This Highway of Heroes is a memorial and a tribute to these fallen soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
The highway is the second Highway of Heroes in Canada, with the first being the route between Canadian Forces Base Trenton and Toronto. That’s the route the funeral procession takes when the soldier’s body is returned to Canadian soil. This new Highway of Heroes doesn’t serve the same function, but it is no less meaningful in its symbolism. It’s a way for people to remember the brave men and women in the Canadian Forces who put their lives on the line every day, and we are honoured to have had the opportunity to be a part of this new designation.
If you find yourself driving this stretch of highway, watch for the sign and take a moment to think about the sacrifices our heroes have made.
Great idea.
This is a very touching tribute. Is it possible to have nicer flags. On a recent trip past this memorial I noticed the flags were in very sad shape.
Thanks for your comment, Belinda. We have sent your comment about the condition of the flags to our staff in the area for their review.
Safe travels.
Our Son is an Afghanistan War Veteran, he lost 5 of his buddies in Afghanistan! He has since lost far more buddies here in Canada from suicide due to PTSD! There is little help from the military for this illness! Our son suffers from PTSD but struggles through & now instead of being trained to kill by the military, he is now a Critical Care Paramedic ! He has a loving supportive family! So every day we drive down the B.C. Highway of Heroes I blow a kiss to commemorate my Father & Father-in-law, both WWII Veterans, my Son the Afghanistan War Vet & all the boys & girls who have died for our country , & who are still protecting our country!
Thank you so much for your service !! I am happy to see that we never forget those brave soldiers that we have lost!!
I was just wondering why the European and Dutch flags were put up today, April 29,2020
Hi Nicolaas,
Thanks for the comment. Could you tell us where you saw these flags flown? It will help us get an answer for you.
Hi Tranbceditor — any word on the reason behind the European and Dutch flags going up?
Hi there Jodi – thanks for following up! We have confirmed that the Dutch and European flags were being flown to commemorate VE day last week.
I taught my children that the highway of heroes was for those who lost their life in WW2 fighting off fascists. I never thought it was for commemorating fascists, not before my four years old daughter tell me the fact. Now we are deeply disturbed!
A Concerned Mother,
Hi Maria,
The Highway of Heroes memorial on the Trans-Canada Highway is a tribute to fallen soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan, not those who fell in service during World War II. Regardless, the soldiers in both cases are being honoured, not any political ideal they fought against. Hope that this helps clarify.
We are all proud of the armed services and our veterans and dedicating a section is quite significant in our family, with three veterans of the Second World War. I’d be pleased to see a more significant size to the Canada and British Columbia’s flags atop the sign and wonder if we could donate to a fund for such a purpose, or whatever, that might accomplish showing how much we appreciate our services / veterans with much a much larger flag display?
Thanks.
Earl
Hi Earl,
We appreciate your desire to commemorate our veterans. I’ve relayed your request to the local district office for review.