The public are being asked to line the bridge over the 401 on Friday as a motorcade carrying John Gallagher will pass through Woodstock
One of our fallen heroes is coming home.
John Gallagher was killed in action by a suicide bomber while fighting against ISIS militants in Syria.
Gallagher fought as part of the Kurdish YPG forces as a volunteer in Iraq before they moved onto the frontlines in Syria.
People are being encouraged to line the bridges along the Highway of Heroes to honour Gallagher as he makes his final trip home.
Woodstock Constable Nikki VanLeeuwen says emergency services will be along the route, and they encourage other people to do the same. "It's going to affect our community as well - we've lost people in Oxford County who have fought overseas. It's going to be an emotion day for sure but it's important our community get out there and support him and his family."
Although many people have already expressed interest in coming out, it is important to remember this is a very busy area of town, and so VanLeeuwen says is you plan on coming out, make sure you are safe as well. "I would suggest that people be very careful where they park their cars. If they can park them in parking lots, at the Truck Stop, or in parking lots of business in that area - as long as the property owners don't mind. Make their way to the bridges but be very careful as you're walking to the bridges - those are busy areas in the city."
VanLeeuwen says the man who first contact them, Harry Schut, is part of a motorcycle association that honours fallen heroes. He has suggested everyone line the bridges around 1 p.m. - best estimates suggest the motorcade will be coming through Woodstock around 1:30 p.m.
The repatriation will leave from Toronto around noon, travel along the 401 before exiting at Highway 40 to make their way to Blenheim.
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