Image Courtesy of Sue Milner
Remembrance Day falls every year on Nov. 11, but for husband-and-wife team Sue and Al Milner, Remembrance Day is every day.
The Footsteps of Canadian Heroes Remembrance Tour centres around a trailer that Sue and Al drive across the country to commemorate fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces and other Canadian heroes, particularly those who served in Afghanistan and in major historical conflicts. The tour also raises awareness and funds for the Homes For Heroes Foundation, which provides housing and support for homeless veterans.
One of the greatest tragedies of modern times inspired Sue to create the attraction, which has travelled from coast to coast and attracted thousands of visitors over the years.
Sue’s poetry eventually evolved into a collection of photographs of fallen soldiers that now adorn the exterior and interior of the trailer. The couple built and continue to maintain the exhibit using their own hard-earned money, something they say they are extremely proud of.
Sue is also an accomplished author, having published two books, one of which received an award from the Governor General of Canada. The first, much smaller trailer debuted in 2019, while the current version was unveiled in 2023 and now tours regularly.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the travelling memorial is that anyone who has lost a loved one in military service can have their photograph added to the trailer.
Because the trailer door is now full of photographs and signatures, Sue designed a wooden memory book to accommodate even more signatures. She says it, too, is filling up quickly.
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In 2016, Scott Casey envisioned an annual cross-Canada motorcycle ride. The initiative was created to combat the stigma surrounding post-traumatic stress disorder while raising funds for programs that help Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and first responders — both active and retired — access treatment for the mental health injuries they sustained while serving Canada and their communities. Sue and Al, along with their trailer, accompanied the riders across the country, a journey Sue describes as life-changing.
Sue and Al will be back on the road in just a few days to mark Canada Day with a stop in Orléans, Ont., before continuing to New Liskeard, where they will once again present their tribute to Canada’s fallen for visitors to reflect upon.
When asked when they plan to park the trailer for good and leave life on the road behind them, Sue made it clear she already has a plan.
For more information on the Footsteps of Canadian Heroes campaign, visit its Facebook page using the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/footstepsofcanadianheroes/
(Written By: Richard Evans)
