A natural way to remember
Plant a tree to honour our fallen
Last June, I had the distinct privilege of attending the D- Day ceremonies on Juno Beach in Normandy, France. I attended as a caregiver of my 94-year-old friend, Hugh Beatty, a Canadian veteran of the D-Day landings. It was a moving experience, to say the least.
While there I could not help but notice that the French have made extraordinary efforts to maintain, in pristine condition, the burial grounds of Canada’s war dead. Perennials have been planted at the foot of each headstone, in precise sequence: creating a rhythm of flowering plants that unifies the row upon row of permanent records of each soldier buried there. Trees are planted around the grounds and carefully peppered within the cemetery itself, creating a quiet and contemplative environment.
In London, Ont., an exciting tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice for Canada is underway. The road that leads directly to the London International Airport was recently renamed the Veterans Memorial Parkway. As part of this project, more than 600 large trees will be planted. Four hundred of them have been planted.
The money raised to support the project started as a simple penny drive at the local Parkwood Hospital in the Veterans wing. A total of 158,320 pennies were collected by the staff, patients, families, and friends. From there, it grew with many corporate and private donors jumping on board as the significance of the planting became known to London.
According to Barry Sandler, the driving force behind this ambitious project, the plan calls for 20 commemorative features: a combination of engraved natural stone and trees. Designed by landscape architect Ron Koudys, the 10-kilometre highway features eight guards. The oversized natural stones engraved with the words “Gateway, Valour, Courage, Freedom, Fortitude and Allegiance.” The idea is to create a driving experience and to encourage motorists to think about the values of public service.
Barry states, “None of the features are dedicated to particular regiments, battles or campaigns. Rather, they feature one or two words that are meant to stir the passersby.”
Given the London VMP model, I ask what can be done to enhance the meaning of the Highway of Heroes that runs from Trenton to Toronto. Would a tree planting on a massive scale along this desolate stretch of highway not pay a fitting tribute to those whose lives have been taken in the name of freedom?