With the permission of the Fitzparick family - This Repatriation Memorial Drive and Rally is dedicated to Cpl. Darren James Fitzpatrick 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, CFB Edmonton who did not get a Repatriation Service as he in an Edmonton Hospital after succoring to his injuries from a road side bomb March 6 2010 in Afghanistan. Please attend all bridges and the rallies for the family so they may experience the gratefulness of Canadians for the service and sacrifice of the Fitzpatrick family.

Saturday May 29, 2010
The Red Ride of Pride Continues

Friends of Veterans Canada, Highway of Heroes Salute Ride and Red Fridays Foundation of Canada is pleased to coordinate The Memorial Drive and Rally occurring on May 29, 2010 in support of our Canadian troops and veterans.  This Memorial Drive and Rally is about Canadians saying “Thank You” to the men and women who serve this country in pursuit of peace throughout the world.   It’s also about honour and respect, especially to those who have lost their life and the sacrifices of their families.  We are going to retrace the path a fallen member of the military takes when they come home from battle, to honour the sacrifice that that person has made and to mourn their passing.  It is also a time to say “Thank You” to our veterans for their past service.  This Memorial Drive and Rally serves as another opportunity to think about our veterans more than just one day a year. 

Canadian peacekeepers need our support and thanks for their sacrifice. This is what the Repatriation and memorial rally is all about.  Please come out to the Rallies at Trenton and Toronto and show your support to our Canadian Troops.  The public of not attending the rallies are urged to stand on one of the bridges along the Highway of Heroes during the RED vehicle procession.  There is no charge to anyone who wishes to attend or participate in this event.

Event Information   The rally will be starting from Trenton ON and going to Toronto.  Exact locations to be announced shortly.  The event starts at 10 AM and the procession of RED vehicles will leave towards to Toronto at 12:00 PM (noon).  The rally will be a red shirt event in honor of our Troops, Veterans, the Fallen and the families of the fallen.  There will be special guests, announcements, a ceremony for our fallen and their families, and special performances of pipes and drum bands from across Canada.

2010   Friends of Veterans is raising money to support their charity mission of documenting  the memories of our veterans into Canadian History. In May of 2010 FOV Canada is bringing several veterans from WWII to the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland. Through Thank You Canada and you, help make these memories a part of our history.

65 Years ago, ...

On May 5, the occupation of Holland ended when the occupying power surrendered to Lt. Gen. Charles Foulkes of the 1st Canadian Army in Wageningen, Holland was finaly liberated! Today, the war years might seem incomprehensible for the young generation. What, why and how did it happen. We notice however their growing interest in the commemorations. We know how much veterans value the recognition of their friends who fell, and that their great efforts are not forgotten. We feel that they also value the contacts with the Dutch and admire our people for what they did and endured during the German occupation. No wonder that lasting friendships have developed. Besides the liberators and their families, we would like to think of those who stood up, did not "take it" and joined the Dutch resistance or became an 'Englandvaarder'. Then in 1945 .... there was the celebration of the liberation. A joyous celebration - freedom was regained so we could speak, listen, go, feel free, stand, unite and gather because there was no curfew and the shortages problems were soon solved. It was a celebration, filled with gratitude. We are celebrating again - meeting old friends and making new ones, and share memories. To remember in freedom those who fell and express our thanks and appreciation to the veterans who liberated Holland.

Highway of Heroes Salute Ride Registration.

Cars, Motorcycles, busses etc are all invited.  Special participants with RED vehicles are invited to be a special participant in the procession to represent our fallen. Only red vehicles can be part of the procession and limited to the number of fallen. Currently there are 140 red vehicle positions. Up to 1000 other cars, motorcycles, or other types of vehicles will join the trip down the highway of heroes. Groups of participants will be marshalled to the highway of heroes from Trenton to travel the trip to the Toronto destination.

REGISTER NOW
 

On The Brides: People from their local areas and from around the country will be invited to watch from the 50 overpasses of the highway 401 as the procession proceeds down the Highway of Heroes.  Arrival in Toronto through is a pre selected route and supporters are encouraged line up to watch the arrival. A rally will follow for all participants in Toronto. The 140 red vehicles leaves Trenton Air Force Base at 12:00 PM expecting to pass through the Durham region  12:30 AND 1:30 PM.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed to help this ride and rally be a success. If you can volunteer your time to help at the rallies for registration, seating arrangements and other rally duties, please let us know by registering yourself as a volunteer.

Families of the fallen are invited to register here. Special assistance will be made available for accommodations in Trenton and Toronto if needed. Transportation services will be available as well. We invite all families of the fallen to attend this special event as the Rallies will have special memorial services for you and your family members recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made to our country; this is an opportunity for Canadian supporters to meet you and show our support. 

The Official Highway of Heroes Vehicle Search is on!

We are searching for the new Official Vehicle**.  The Highway of Heroes Vehicle is slated to attend many other rides and shows throughout the 2010-2011 year. This is an opportunity to show corporate support and showing your community that your business cares.  Please contact us here for more details and how to become the Red Friday Car sponsor.  

**The vehicle's main colour must be red. The vehicle type is not specific. RFFC will make the decision on which vehicle that will become the official Car for the 2010-Dec 31 2011.  The Official Car will have the logo and of the corporate sponsor on the vehicle.  Other advertising material may be given out at the events the Vehicle attends. Media Advisories will be sent out including the Official Highway of Heroes Vehicle description, photos and renderings that will include the sponsors trade mark and markings on the vehicle.  The vehicle will be returned to the sponsor after the agreed period and may remain with the title of the Official HIGHWAY OF HEROES identity for THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. Vehicle full donation to our cause is at the decision of the donator.

Memorabilia of the Highway of Heroes is available here.  www.redfridays.ca/products.html