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Cruelbreed
07-19-2009, 11:14 PM
July 19, 2009

Motorcyclists' thundering salute to our soldiers
Raise $20Gs for folks in uniform
By PETE FISHER, SUN MEDIA

COBOURG -- Like the sound of rolling thunder, more than 300 motorcycles travelled from Whitby to CFB Trenton for the first annual Highway of Heroes Salute Ride yesterday.

"The sacrifices for our soldiers in harm's way should never be forgotten and it's energy like this here today that keeps that alive," Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit national president Paul Cane, who took part in the ride, said at a lunch stop- over in Cobourg.

About $20,000 was raised for the Wounded Warriors Fund and Canada Company's Children's Scholarship Fund.

Cane said with the power of the Internet, soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and in the forward operating bases will see the support Canadians have for the military.

A former soldier who regularly travels across Canada, Cane said "the sacrifices being made today are the same as in the past and ensure our freedoms and give us the freedom to ride motorcycles in our communities."

Capt. Wayne Johnston, founder and president of Wounded Warriors and in charge of repatriations, said he was grateful for the riders' support and for the support shown along the Highway of Heroes each time a fallen soldier comes home for the final time.

"I hear it first-hand every time. It's incredible for the families to let them know that we as Canadians care."

Today, the body of Pte. Sebastien Courcy will travel the route along the Highway of Heroes. The 26-year-old Quebec soldier died Thursday morning when he fell from his position on high ground during a counter-insurgency operation in the Panjwaii district.

Yesterday's ride started at Mackie Harley-Davidson in Whitby and travelled along the Highway of Heroes to CFB Trenton.

The event was organized by the Whitby Rotary Club with support from Rotary Clubs in Cobourg and Trenton.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2009/07/19/pf-10186711.html