Terry Fox Run Sept. 13. 2009

The Terry Fox Run is being held on Sept. 13, 2009. The run is held all around the world, altho the dates can vary, but this young man started something that has continued to become bigger every year. He wanted to raise money for the cure of cancer, which he did but I do not think he could have ever imagined when he started to what the Terry Fox run has become today. The Terry Fox Run has raised $400 million internationally. Check the webpage to learn how to donate to the run and more: http://www.terryfox.org/Run/

This Terry Fox Memorial is at Thunder Bay, Ontario. We have seen others on our travels and the most recent was in front of the Parliament Buildings on Ottawa, Ontario. The determination that it took Terry to continue his Marathon of Hope daily thru rain or shine shows on his face on this sculpture.

Terry Fox ran with his head held high while all Canadians watched him with pride as he ran across the country on his Marathon of Hope.

 

We visited this Terry Fox monument three times during our short visit to Thunder Bay this summer. He is truly an inspiration and I can only imagine the pride his family must feel when they see the recognition that Terry has received for what he did for cancer research in his short life. With their tireless work over these years with countless volunteers they continue to keep his dream alive that one day no one will have to suffer with cancer. His legacy continues.

I wrote more on the Terry Fox Memorial following our visit, to see more, click here.

Confederation Square ~ National War Memorial ~ Unknown Soldier ~ Valiants Memorial

Our visit to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s capital city was not long enough to see all that there is to see. The weather was absolutely gorgeous so we decided to use our time there seeing as much as we could that was accessible outside. There are guided walking tours available, which are a great way to learn all about what you’re seeing, and it makes the visit so much more interesting. I would recommend one, especially for a city like Ottawa that has so much history to offer within an easy walking tour.

The National War Memorial ~ Confederation Square

The National War Memorial was originally built to honor those Canadians who died during WWI but now honors all of Canada’s war dead. The great arch features 23 figures representing people who fought in WWI and shows them moving from war into peace representing Peace & Liberty. This is also the site of the November 11 Remembrance Day ceremony which is broadcast across Canada.

                                       

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ~ Ottawa, Ontario

Directly in front of the War Memorial lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was created to honor the Canadians who die for their country. It doesn’t matter whether they are in the army, navy, air force, or merchant marine, it honors all soldiers from the past, present and future.
The unidentified soldier was selected from a cemetery in Vimy Ridge and brought over to Canada. The soldier was then transported on a horse-drawn gun carriage and laid to rest in a specially designed sarcophagus in front of the War Memorial during a special ceremony in March 2000. The Tomb is a fitting way to honor the sacrifices made to build our freedom.

Valiants Memorial ~ Confederation Square

The National War Memorial sits at the intersection of Wellington & Elgin streets in Confederation Square near Parliament Hill and is lined with historical figures and busts that represent individuals who also served Canada during the wars. This area is call the Valiants Memorial.

Terry Fox ~ Ottawa, Ontario

Terry Fox is also a Canadian hero and has been honored with a statue designed by John Hooper in the square opposite the Parliament Buildings. He was honored many times in his young lifetime and so many times since. The Government of Canada made him a Companion of the Order of Canada, which made him the youngest to receive it.  His Marathon of Hope was described as “one of the most powerful outpourings of emotion and generosity in Canada’s history”. There is more to see about Terry Fox on another page I have posted.

Ottawa, Ontario has much to offer for several days of sightseeing. There are boat tours on the waterways that will take you on a wonderful ride to enjoy the quiet side of the city.  Next I will take you with us on our boat tour on the Rideau Canal.

Terry Fox Scenic Lookout

We love RV’ing and that has taken us to many rest stops on our RV adventures. They have ranged from a bit of pavement with a Point of Interest sign in the middle of nowhere to more, but most offer washroom facilities, picnic tables and perhaps some pictures of the local area. But we’ve never seen one that was as beautiful as the one at Thunder Bay called the Terry Fox Scenic Lookout.

As we drove up the street into the lookout from the highway on this very rainy day, it was like approaching an estate with groomed grass and trees and shrubs welcoming us to visit.

There is a visitor center across the parking lot as you approach the top of the drive, but it is all surrounded by trees and is restful looking place to stop to enjoy the monument, take in the view, gather visitor information or enjoy the picnic area.

Terry Fox Memorial

The walkway approach to the view took us under the trees looking to the lake, which wasn’t very visible on our visit due to the weather, but led us to the Terry Fox Memorial.

It is a beautiful monument inspired by Terry Fox, an incredible and courageous young man who touched the hearts of every Canadian on his Marathon of Hope in 1980.

We followed him across Canada as he endured the weather and hardships that the journey offered. I don’t believe anyone will ever forget his struggle and his determination to continue on with his dream of raising money to find a cure for cancer.

Terry Fox was an inspiration to all who heard his story.

This monument was designed to join east and west, has included all provincial and territorial coats-of-arms as well as the Canadian emblems of the maple leaf and beaver.

Manfred of Oakville was commissioned to produce a larger-than-life bronze replica. It stands a little over nine feet tall, weighs over half-a-ton and took more than 1000 hours of work. The finished product captures the look of determination on Terry’s face as he struggled to reach his goal.

Landscaped Garden Paths

Great thought and caring went into the design of the Terry Fox Scenic Lookout and it shows throughout the park. All those that were involved in this tribute wanted to ensure that it was as unique as the statue and as Terry as well.

Terry Fox Scenic Lookout Paths

The Terry Fox Scenic Lookout is about 12 km (7 mi) west of where Terry was forced to give up his Marathon of Hope. His legacy continues with many events held annually, this years Terry Fox Run is being held on September 13, 2009.

The Terry Fox Memorial Statue overlooking Lake Superior at Thunder Bay, Ontario, faces his Western Canada home, Port Coquitlam B.C. He is a true Canadian hero. Hopefully we will one day see his dream come true.
See more on my Kamloops blog for the Terry Fox Run, 2012.