Honouring our Heroes

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

RE: Honouring our Heroes ( formerly - I cried tonight)

rarechev · Guru

i don't wear hats but ill tell you my ears froze solid, luckily an older fellow noticed me shivering and handed me a touch from his car. i was so grateful, however it didn't help my toes to much. next time i will be better equipped.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

We were visiting friends in Toronto today so, rather than head home for the repatriation, we suggested that our friends go with us to a bridge over the DVP. They were thrilled to do so. It was their first such visit. The interesting thing is that my friend's wife is the daughter of Tail Gunner Patrick Brophy, the sole survivor of one of the Lancaster bombers shot down over France. Earlier, I mentioned that the CBC aired the story called "The 13th Mission".

So, why this bridge? Because I knew that Ray would be there, and it was my pleasure to finally meet him and his son Ryan.

Yes, a very sad day, but I know that the families are well aware that Canadians have taken note of their great loss and the contributions of their lost family member.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Bob, I am very touched that you would come with your wife and friends to where you knew I would be. That is a very kind gesture combined with your outpouring for our boys and in this case girl as well coming home. At first I was a bit in shock because here was someone in a place I did not expect him to be.

It was Bob who made us all aware of this special phenomenon that happens each time a flag draped casket is brought home along the Highway of Heroes. Once you attend there is a unexplicable draw which brings you back each time.

The bridge we went to is really not on a thoroughfare, in fact I am surprised Bob coming from such a distance away would even find it. To me I first chose it because few others were there and I felt that it was important to go and represent there especially since it is one of the last low bridges before the cortege heads into the city streets.

Once again Canadian Poncho has brought people together and it was my pleasure to meet Bob and his wife and friends today.

PS: CTV local news reported that it was -21 when the cortege rolled through Toronto. The City streets were also lined with well wishers. Once I find some shots I'll post them as well.

-- Edited by 73SC on Monday 4th of January 2010 12:14:03 AM

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Outside CFB Trenton as Cortege heads off.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Click HERE to see a film made by Toronto EMS that encapsulates the trip from CFB Trenton to Toronto. It is about 20 minutes. The film is taken from one of the vehicles in the cortege. It is overwhelming to watch as emotions run from sadness to pride.

If there was any doubt that our presence on a bridge is not appreciated this will end that thought forever.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

Thank you for finding and posting that video, Ray. I recognize every single bridge on that 100-mile journey, and can no longer travel between Trenton and Toronto without remembering all those lost souls.

Ray, by now, I'm thinking that our fellow CP members are feeling something of what we feel on the bridges. Guys like rarechev and Stephenzone are more reserved about it than us, but I know they've been there and understand.

Sorry if we seem to go on and on, but seeing it all in person changes everything. I've never served in the military, but I have the greatest respect for those who do and my simple gesture is an attempt to repay I debt I can never pay.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

I saw a young man with a camera and tripod on the bridge yesterday. I see now he has posted the photos on line. He has a similar shot of Bob and the flag as me from the reverse angle and other images from the bridge we were on.

Click here

-- Edited by 73SC on Tuesday 5th of January 2010 12:31:34 AM

Rolilk · Guru

67HEAVEN wrote:

Sorry if we seem to go on and on, but seeing it all in person changes everything. I've never served in the military, but I have the greatest respect for those who do and my simple gesture is an attempt to repay I debt I can never pay.

You have nothing to be sorry about. I only can thank you for I feel the same as you do. Again words just cannot convey my thanks for your service and time spent on bridges and this post...

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

My son went out and bought a new pair of boots today. This tells me something.

I know his feet were absolutely frozen yesterday but he never said a word while we stood there for about 40 minutes in the -21 windchill waiting to pay our respects. When we got home he went straight to the fire place took off his socks and warmed his feet.

We all wish that we will not go again but what this tells me is that my son is prepared to go again and again, wind, sleet, rain or snow.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

Sadly, we've lost another soldier in Afghanistan.

He was killed Saturday in southern Afghanistan after stepping on an improvised explosive device, the military said.

Sgt. John Faught, 44, of the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry based in Edmonton, was taking part in a foot patrol with Afghan soldiers near the town of Nakhoney in the volatile Panjwaii district, about 15 kilometres southwest of Kandahar city, when the device detonated.

One more time to the bridges, probably on Tuesday...maybe Wednesday.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Hard news too take. This week I have had so many emotional circumstances. Hillar, Haiti, fellow Rotarian with prostrate cancer and now this .

We will take up our place of honour when Sgt. Faught returns home.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard said Faught was affectionately known as Toast, because he was hard and crusty.

He could always be counted on to tell it like it is when asked for his opinion, Menard said in a statement late Saturday.

He was a very conscientious and thorough section commander who always put the needs of his soldiers above his own.

Faught was from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I will remember to pray for you Ray. It certainly has been a tough week.

CDN2PLS2 · Uber Guru

I Love his NickName! R.I.P.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

The repatriation for Canada's latest war casualty will be held Tuesday afternoon, at CFB Trenton. Sergeant John Faught, of Sault Ste. Marie, was killed Saturday after stepping on an improvised explosive device. He was 44.

Sgt. Faught was based in Edmonton with the the 1st Battalion Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry.

If all goes to plan, the motorcade should enter Northumberland County around 3 p.m. and Durham Region around 3:45 p.m.

Stephenzone · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

kyles off the bus at 3:00 we'll be manning our usual position at 3:10

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Yes, I will do my best to get there, darn meeting scheduled at 2:00 pm, should be able to make it for 4:15 or so.

rarechev · Guru

i'm going!

65Camino · Uber Guru

Once they arrive onto the DVP what route do they take? I can't make it to the Spanbridge but I am close to Richmond and the DVP?

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

The cortege exits at Bayview Bloor, unless you can get over to the Coroners Office near Police headquarters north of College, the go down Bay street.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

They take the DVP south from 401 to the Bloor - Bayview exit; then up to the Chief Coroner's Office at 25 Grenville, near Yonge and College.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

As we talk about the Highway, month after month, we tend to forget that our boys are handing out their own "truth" to the enemy.

For example, would you want to be on the receiving end of this?

Give 'em Hell, boys.

I'm leaving for the Highway of Heroes, right now.

-- Edited by 67HEAVEN on Tuesday 19th of January 2010 03:52:45 PM

rarechev · Guru

Sgt Faught passed by hwy 30 Brighton at 3:05, RIP.

67HEAVEN · Poncho Master!

Sgt. Faught passed by Port Hope at 3:35 pm. R.I.P.