'Highway of Heroes' signs officially unveiled

The 'Highway of Heroes' sign is seen near Trenton, Ont. on Hwy. 401.

The Ontario government has unveiled "Highway of Heroes" signs along a stretch of Highway 401, formally dedicating the route to Canada's fallen soldiers.

The 172-kilometre stretch, officially designated as the MacDonald-Cartier Freeway, extends from Toronto to Trenton.

It is the route taken to transport the bodies of fallen soldiers to the coroner's office in Toronto once they return to Canada.

Large crowds -- including veterans and emergency service personnel -- have routinely gathered on the highway's overpasses to wave flags in support of the troops.

Capt. Mark Bossi, who served in Afghanistan, fought back tears as he rode along the stretch with CTV Toronto.

"That's amazing -- it really is," Bossi said when he saw one of the signs. "It's on (Highway) 401 -- people are going to see them everyday."

The signs are in response to an online petition in support of renaming the highway that was overwhelmed with responses.

Bossi understands why the grassroots movement to dedicate the stretch grew so quickly.

"If you think about it, every soldier has a mom and dad," he said, his voice trembling.

"A lot of guys have wives and children. I think that's one of the reasons Canadians wanted the highway renamed."

Premier Dalton McGuinty said Friday that the signs will serve as a commemoration of the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers.

"The road that links Ontario and Quebec is named in honour of the two leaders who gave life to our young nation more than 140 years ago," said McGuinty. "It is enormously fitting, then, that we dedicate a portion of this very road in honour of those who gave their lives for our nation."

Ontario's provincial government consulted the federal government, municipalities along the highway and the Royal Canadian Legion before approving the name change.

"This Highway of Heroes reminds us that our freedom, safety and prosperity is often purchased by the sacrifices of others," McGuinty said. "We owe them a great debt -- and while we can never repay that debt, we can see to it that their courage and commitment will always be remembered."

With a report from CTV's Naomi Parness and files from The Canadian Press