When is a tree more than just a tree? The answer is when the tree is part of a memorial to honour Canada’s fallen heroes. The mission of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is simple: To honour Canada’s fallen by planting 117,000 trees, one for each of our war dead since Confederation, along and near the Highway of Heroes between Trenton and Toronto.

The Living Tribute reminds those who travel along the highway of the great debt we owe these courageous Canadians. With 3,000 trees planted on the highway so far, this initiative will also provide a myriad of environmental benefits for generations to come.

To celebrate its one-year anniversary, The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute held three planting events in Toronto, Cobourg and Trenton on Friday, November 4, 2016. Canadians of all ages came together in an effort to continue this living memorial for the many Canadians who have given their lives.

Special Announcement.  On November 4, we launched the #150Tree Champions program.  Donate $150 to the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute and you will receive a charitable tax receipt, a certificate worthy of framing, a limited edition T shirt and next spring we will send you a tree seedling that you can plant where you please.  

Your donation makes you a tree ‘Champion’. It also provides a present to Canada for its 150th birthday, a gesture that will be meaningful to all of the service people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Your donation will buy a tree on the Highway of Heroes that will provide a living legacy for generations.

It is a legacy that we acknowledge this month, more than any other.

Please keep the 150 Tree promotion in mind as we approach the holidays…as a gift for someone or put it on your Christmas list.  Learn more about becoming a Champion.  

The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute is made possible through the support of Landscape Ontario, Mark’s Choice, Maple Leaves Forever, Forests Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto. 100% of all donations go towards the planting and maintenance of trees.

For more information on The Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, please visit HOHTribute.  

Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, Member of the Order of Canada, author and broadcaster. Get his free monthly newsletter at markcullen.com. Look for his new best seller, The New Canadian Garden’ published by Dundurn Press. Follow him on Twitter @MarkCullen4 and Facebook.