Canadian Walk for Veterans Honours Local Heroes

A successful 2025 Canadian Walk for Veterans brought together members of the public to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with former Canadian Armed Forces members, thanking them for their service while raising awareness about the challenges faced by veterans after deployment. The annual walk, which started in White Rock/South Surrey in 2018, is now an international event with 21 Canadian cities participating, including a walk in London, England around the Tower of London.

Key Takeaways:

• The Canadian Walk for Veterans was founded by Marc Burchell and Dr. Matthew Kane in 2018, starting in White Rock/South Surrey.
• The walk aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by veterans after deployment and to express gratitude to a new generation of veterans, often associated with Afghanistan, Somalia, Bosnia, and Rwanda.
• The event features personal stories from veterans and their families, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of all veterans.
• This year's theme, "Transitioning Back To Civilian Life," marked the walk's international expansion, with participants in 21 Canadian cities and a walk in London, England.
• The walk also featured musical performances, including the Vancouver Naval Vets Band and the Surrey Firefighters Pipes and Drum Band.
• Burchell shared a personal story about his father's experiences in the Second World War, including being part of a special force formed by Winston Churchill called S.O.E.

Statistics:

• The event features a 2.5-kilometre or 5-kilometre route for walkers.
• The walk started in White Rock/South Surrey in 2018 and has grown to become an international event.
• The event had a strong turnout, with many speakers sharing personal stories about their relatives who have served in past wars.
• The walk aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by veterans after deployment and to express gratitude to a new generation of veterans.

Sources:

• Abbotsford News ( Sept. 21, 2025)