Body of Canadian killed fighting in Syria returns home

John Gallagher's sisters, from left, Lily and Erin Gallagher, stand over their brother's coffin in Blenheim, Ont. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (Stefanie Masotti / CTV Windsor)

The body of John Gallagher, a former Canadian soldier, returned home Friday. The 32-year-old Wheatley man was killed fighting ISIS in Syria.

Gallagher, who had retired from the Canadian Forces in 2005 and then volunteered to fight, was working with Kurdish foces in Syria when he was killed earlier this month.

Thousands gathered along Highway 401 overpasses between Toronto and Blenheim on Friday to express their thanks as his body was transported in a 'highway of heroes' procession.

Gallagher's mother, Valerie Carder, says "It sounds so - to say that it's overwhelming, but it really, really is. It's quite incredible and we're all very touched and we want to thank everyone very much."

The journey home began around noon, as veterans stood in honour of the fallen man, outside a Toronto funeral home.

Chatham-Kent resident Mike Wright brought his young son out. He says, "I just wanted to let him know that you need to stop sometimes and pay respects to people out there that are doing stuff. We don't always think about every day, but when stuff like this happens we need to stop and pay respects."

Because Gallagher was a volunteer, the procession was spearheaded by the Canadian Heroes Foundation, but any expectations that it would be subdued were shattered Friday afternoon.

Carder says, "It's such an honour for my son and I hope that it can do some good in terms of bringing awareness to the situation that he went to try to help."

A public ceremony for Gallagher will be held in Toronto at a later date.