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Highway of Heroes

They have returned, in wood splintered pine boxes One flag traded for one life Boys filled with bravado and hope, now coffins filled with lost dreams They marched off in Glory, not for war They wished a better world A desire to defeat all what is evil A thirst for the thrill of life Wishing a pretty girl would see them in uniform They have flown home Over oceans of tears The brave die young The rest of us can only bow our heads Sadness envelopes the final journey Notes: This poem is dedicated specifically to the Canadian men and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan, as well as to those who god bless returned home alive. Let me say this, this was not a War. We were not fighting an enemy in the normal sense. So you ask, then what was it? This was an intervention to bring peace, to protect the weak, to protect woman. Canadian Forces were involved in the building of roads and schools, the protection of the general population, and also education. If this breakdown in society happened inside of Canada, it would not be called a war, we would be demanding our government provide us proper police protection and law and order. If you wish to blame this on another religion, then I say to you, Afghanistan was the same religion in the 1950’s 60’s and 70’s when woman were free to dress , to go to school and not have to cover their faces. If you were to see photos they dressed much as America did at that time. If a man tosses acid onto a woman’s face, this is not a war, this is a crime. So, because a man made boundary exists, should be turn our backs? You may be debate the value of this effort, the success or failure, or even agree or disagree if we should be involved. However, our men and woman in uniform gave their lives to try and make this world a better place. If you are a gardener, and you weed your garden, you will never win, the weeds always come back, yet as a gardener you never give up trying to make the flowers bloom. What have you done today to make this world a better happier place? Note 2 Canada has renamed a portion of the Trans Canada Highway, the "Highway of Heroes" you may google this to find out more info!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 1/10/2016 11:12:00 AM
Well the good thing about late response is that I got to read this one again.
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Date: 6/14/2014 1:38:00 PM
Dear Arthur, Although I abhor war, I do appreciate the efforts of soldiers and cry when I see the flag-draped caskets returning. Canadians have a right to be proud of their forces as they engaged in positive activities like promoting education and building roads. When Hurricane Katrina hit the U.S., Canada was among the first to respond with assistance. Your poem is touching and your essay very informative. Bravo for all the troops! Love, Carolyn
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:21:00 AM
War is terrible, however I find more and more we are not fighting wars, we are fighting for peace for all, and is always sad people giving their lives so we have peace! :)
Date: 6/14/2014 1:09:00 PM
to honor the brave with this dramatic and sensitive piece is truly endearing..ever lovely, arthur.. enjoyed the author's notes!.. huggs
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:19:00 AM
Thanks Nette, as you can see my middle name is procrastination and my last name if Forgetsalot!!
Date: 6/14/2014 7:49:00 AM
This was a very interesting poem to read. This is a great way to honor those heroes . Thanks for sharing... Lucilla
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Date: 6/13/2014 3:30:00 PM
Soon all wars will come to an end! Psalm 46:9. Can't wait.
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Date: 6/13/2014 8:10:00 AM
Good morning Arthur, well worth rereading my friend.
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:18:00 AM
If you keep leaving comments one decade I will answer them all, I cant believe how many times I miss replying, it sure is not on purpose!
Date: 6/11/2014 5:21:00 PM
My friend that is an exceptional poem that honors true heroes!!!! BBBBravooooooooooo!!!!!!!!
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:17:00 AM
Thanks Robert, again I missed replying here, so sorry
Date: 6/11/2014 11:23:00 AM
your poetry sure brings everything into perspective Arthur,,this is truly wonderful poetry you portray...thank you ....
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:17:00 AM
Thanks Harry and so sorry for not answering, I missed comments on this one!
Date: 6/11/2014 8:22:00 AM
Bravo! Well said. A moving tribute to those lost and honour to those who returned to us. Thanks for this sensitive and thought inspiring piece.
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:15:00 AM
Thank you, good thing I dont cut lawns, Id be so late be wheat fields by the time I got there!!!
Date: 6/11/2014 6:02:00 AM
A wonderful, heartfelt tribute to those who do strive to make this world better. How great that Canada now has a Highway of Heroes as a memorial that will get many visitors.
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:14:00 AM
Can I get any later in a reply? Thank you so much!
Date: 6/9/2014 7:05:00 PM
Love this one, Arthur! You made me speechless. I truly don't know what to say. Just think of how many good men have died and how we are enjoying peace as we know it and whether we wonder about them all. How they truly give with their lives. Your note is awesome. Yes, what do we do indeed to make this world a better place? Love ya.
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:13:00 AM
Thank you so much
Date: 6/9/2014 9:12:00 AM
I really enjoyed this poem. I have a special place in my heart for military because of my dad. I am not sure I did this, but I read the last line of your poem first and then the first line.. well written
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 1/10/2016 1:11:00 AM
Thank you so much, so sorry for such late response
Date: 6/9/2014 9:00:00 AM
This is such a wonderful and sad tribute to the fallen, i wrote similar to this Art A poem called No Greater Love hath These, check it out,blessings Carl
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 6/12/2014 9:21:00 PM
Thanks Carl , I will be happy to read this!
Date: 6/9/2014 3:59:00 AM
A grand tribute to the heroes.... Excellent write my friend
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Arthur Vaso
Date: 6/12/2014 9:21:00 PM
Thanks Tim!

Book: Reflection on the Important Things