By Mike Blais CD
FINALLY, IT’S SUMMERTIME and once again, the riding season is in full gear. Every weekend, thousands of veterans are taking to the roads on motorcycles, to foster the spirit of the nation. Many of my friends ride and I have no doubt about the good things they are doing for our military, the veterans’ community and yes, keeping alive the spirit of service within the general public throughout the summer.
Canadians have become accustomed to seeing convoys of varied lengths, with riders united under the distinctive patches of the Canadian Army Veterans (CAV) Motorcycle Units, Veterans UN-NATO Canada, Commandos Motorcycle Club and other veterans centric riding groups. Through this awareness, the Canadian public learn of the endeavours which they are organizing or supporting at the time.
Truly, the numbers of veterans riding is steadily growing, and deserves public acknowledgement. More often than not, these clubs are the CAF’s standard bear- ers during the summer months, focusing on the troops, Canadian veterans and the great levels of sacrifice which they have selflessly committed to our great nation.
The Highway of Heroes Ride, returned in 2022 after being suspended during the pandemic. Hundreds of veterans, accom- panied by members from four Memorial Cross families, led over 2000 supportive riders from Trenton to Port Hope.
Who can forget the dark days of the Afghanistan War when Canadians lined the highway overpasses as the nation’s fallen warriors were repatriated? Accompanied by their families, the flag draped coffins were transported down the “Highway of Heroes” from CFB Trenton to the Coroner’s Office in Toronto.
There is no better way than this Highway of Heroes Ride to memorialize that spirit: To honour the valour of those
(PHOTO: COURTESY SCOTT CASEY)
currently serving as well as the sacrifice of the veterans of the Afghanistan War. Held on Saturday June 3, this year’s ride was a resounding success.
Kudos are due to the ride’s organizers and the citizens of Port Hope for sup- porting veterans in such a meaningful manner. You are all doing an excellent job in fostering the spirit of the nation. For this we are grateful.
The seventh Rolling Barrage Coast to Coast Ride to Combat PTSD, kicks off
from St John’s NFLD on August 1 and, 19 days later, will conclude in Burnaby BC. Conceived in 2016 by retired RCR veteran Scott Casey, the nation-wide mission was designed to “fight the stigma of PTSD and raise funds for programs or organizations that help CAF members, Veterans and First Responders.”
The inaugural Barrage coincided with the celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. As such the name for the endeav- our was chosen in recognition of the Canadians who innovatively developed the novel tactic of rolling barrages of artillery fire in support of the advan- cing infantry in an era of brutal trench warfare.
The Barrage is truly an amazing en- deavour. Daily ride segments are open to veterans and supporters within the general public who wish to participate with a national effort designed to heighten awareness of PTSD and the great mental trauma which Canada’s finest have experi- enced during both war and peace.
This year, fifty veterans will be undertak- ing the ‘Full Pull’ at their own expense. They will join organizer Scott Casey on the east coast and ultimately, 7073 kilometers later, will dip their wheels in the Pacific at the conclusion of the ride.
Those wishing to join or support the Barrage when it arrives in their respective communities will be pleased to learn that detailed information about each daily segment of the journey and email contacts for those taking the lead at the time are available on TRB website.
Organizers have done a great job in securing accommoda- tions and community support as well as designing routes which include visits to national historic sites, gas stations and engaging local communities in respect to meals and lodgings.
Check it out at https://therollingbarrage.com
Author’s endnote: Tragically, it appears that every summer, motorcyclists, including veterans, are catastrophically injured or killed due to another driver’s negligence or lack of concentra- tion. Please, be extra vigilant this summer when you are on the road and take an extra moment to be aware of the presence of motorcycles within your arcs of responsibility. Motorcyclists are vulnerable. What would have inconsequential contact with a motor vehicle could very result in death or serious injury to a motorcyclist.
Time for me to go fishing. Have a great summer!
