Posted on 09/29/2007 3:42:08 AM PDT by Clive
WHITBY, Ontario — Thanks to the initiative of a trucker from Cobourg, drivers who regularly commute along the 401 will now have something to think about on their travels between Montreal and Cobourg.
In honour of the Year of the Veteran, which was commemorated in 2005, Larry Josie, an independent trucker, had his vehicle emblazoned with vinyl artwork.
A veteran himself, Mr. Josie found a unique way to support the Canadian troops in Afghanistan. As the owner of a tractor-trailor for the past 18 months, he had been dreaming of giving his vehicle a new look, and began to do some research on the Internet.
That's when he discovered Sign Design, a company based in Whitby, Ontario. The company emblazes vinyl graphics on vehicles like his. Following a meeting with artist Chris McGregor, Mr Josie's project began to take shape.
After an exhaustive search of the National Defence and Combat Camera Web sites, a sketch was presented to the trucker in which the artist succeeded in portraying the lives of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. The photo of a CF soldier in Afghanistan served as the inspiration for one of the silhouettes on the rear doors of the truck. In order to accomplish this project, company employee Loretta Janes donated a photo of her son-in-law.
Even though he disagrees with the war in Afghanistan, Mr. Josie unconditionally supports the Canadian soldiers, their families and friends.
"If I provide moral support to the soldiers, and can put a smile on their faces, my mission is accomplished," he explained.
Mr Josie added that the comments he gets at the truck stops, the honking on the 401, and the number of looks people cast at his tractor trailer are all very rewarding.
Some people who support his initiative have helped to defray the high cost of the artwork. He explained that the names of the people wishing to support his cause with a donation would be inscribed on the back of his truck.
To learn more about this project, you can contact Mr. Josie by e-mail at ljosie@sympatico.ca.
Article by Sergeant Robert Comeau Photos by Corporal Tom Parker
Larry Josie, an independent trucker from Cobourg, Ontario, stands in front of his truck, which has been painted to show his support for the soldiers in Afghanistan.
Dozens of people gathered on the parade square at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton to take a look at the truck owned by Larry Josie.
Box quote:
If I provide moral support to the soldiers, and can put a smile on their faces, my mission is accomplished.— Mr. Larry Josie
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A great tribute to Larry Josie, a great Canadian who walks the talk.
Thanks, Clive, for reminding us that True Patriot Love is still Commanded in the All the Sons of True North Strong and Free. And that some will still Stand on Guard for Canada, our Home and Native Land, Glorious and Free.
Just like we promise each other, every time we sing our Anthem.
*DieHard*
If I provide moral support to the soldiers, and can put a smile on their faces, my mission is accomplished.
— Mr. Larry Josie
Would’nt it be great if the move-on democrats said the same thing,instead of constantly badmouthing our troops?
Great story about a great guy. Thanks, fanfan.
Nice to see, eh?
:-)
Bump!
Now that’s what I call “Trick My Truck!”
You have no idea what was going through my mind... LOL!
LOL!
If you saw ‘one pound trucker’, your eyes might not be the problem.
;-)
O CANADA!
O CANADA!
What is that printed across the bottom of the picture?
It appears to be what is commonly called "The Ode", being a stanza from the poem "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
This stanza appears on numerous cenotaphs throughout Canada.
Thank you. We will remember all of those who sacrificed all for freedom’s sake. God bless their families, and all of those who still fight.
May we free citizens, and lovers of freedom, honor them by being vigilant on the homefront against enemies within our countries.
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