Trent Hills council honours photojournalist

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Sue Dickens

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Trent Hills Mayor Hector Macmillan, right, recently presented Cobourg area photojournalist Pete Fisher with a framed certificate of the resolution made by council in support of his quest for a commemorative Highway of Heroes silver coin.

Sue Dickens, Campbellford EMC

Trent Hills Mayor Hector Macmillan, right, recently presented Cobourg area photojournalist Pete Fisher with a framed certificate of the resolution made by council in support of his quest for a commemorative Highway of Heroes silver coin.

EMC News -Trent Hills "If the (Royal Canadian) Mint can honour birds, rock stars and whales they can honour people who put their lives on the line," said Cobourg area photojournalist Pete Fisher.

Honoured with a presentation at Trent Hills Council recently in recognition of his efforts to pay tribute to Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan he spoke with EMC afterward about his struggle to see the Mint produce a commemorative silver coin.

"I believe in this and I am just glad other people believe in this too," said Fisher.

The Highway of Heroes commemorative coin was unveiled last fall by the Royal Canadian Mint.

It follows the publication of his book Highway of Heroes: True Patriot Love, which includes a chapter titled "The Quest for a Coin," chronicling his struggle as he lobbied for its release.

Initially turned down by the Mint, he persevered and garnered the support of people with an online petition and along the way was joined in his efforts to lobby for the coin, by the municipality.

"I am grateful for the Mint, that they changed their minds. They listened to the people and that's all I can ask for," said Fisher.

Making the presentation of a framed certificate to Fisher, Mayor Hector Macmillan said, "With the help of our MP (Rick Norlock) who is here today and his efforts and the people at the Royal Canadian Mint, today we can be happy and celebrate the fact that thanks to the initiative of not only his book that his coin is now available to anyone that wishes it.

"Pete, thanks for allowing us to have a small participation in your effort ... this is just a little something because I know this meant much to you and certainly it means a lot to Trent Hills council."

Macmillan noted humourously he tried to get the mockup coin to present as well, "but apparently you already have dibs on it."

Trent Hills' councils, the previous council and the current one have endorsed and supported Fisher's efforts and helped to get the message out to other municipalities in Ontario as he lobbied for the coin.

Fisher thanks the mayor and council for the tribute.

"I only did what I thought was right and with the help of you and the council it happened.

"It was a community effort from all residents of Northumberland (County). I know it means a lot to the families (of the fallen soldiers) and that's what it's all about," he said.