Bob Burton in his special EV that's taking from coast-to-coast.
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran carrying a message of support across Canada stopped in Perth Sunday, Aug. 16, for a visit about remembrance and fellowship.
Bob Burton, the man behind the Solo Veteran EV Journey, visited Don Rideout, founder of Perth’s Veterans Memorial Crosswalk project. The Perth stop marked their first face-to-face meeting.
Burton, of Eastern Passage, N.S., left home in his electric vehicle June 21, beginning a summer-long drive with a purpose. The date also marked his birthday and Father’s Day.
The navy veteran has driven from Halifax to Victoria and is heading east. Before each stop, he researches the community and its military past, then meets people preserving it.
After Perth, Burton planned stops in Ottawa, Quebec City, Fredericton, Summerside and Charlottetown. He expects to reach home Aug. 22 for three days before setting out for two weeks in Newfoundland. The journey ends Sept. 11, a meaningful date for Burton, who served in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and the Persian Gulf after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Rideout explained how their paths first crossed.
Burton toured Perth’s Veterans Memorial Crosswalk and learned about another planned near the Perth hospital. Local projects rooted in military service are a key part of his journey across Canada.
Rideout said the visit carried a message beyond Perth.
Bob Burton and Don Rideout visit the Veteran’s memorial crosswalk in Perth that was spearheaded by Rideout.
Burton sometimes sleeps in his vehicle, but the long days and nights have not defined the experience.
Asked to describe the personal impact, Burton offered a direct answer.
Money raised supports VETS Canada programs for former military and RCMP members facing urgent challenges.
The charity’s national network helps people get immediate assistance and build greater stability.
People can follow Burton and find the fundraiser’s QR code on the Solo Veteran EV Journey Facebook page, or below.
Donations are also accepted through VETS Canada by selecting “Lend a hand,” “Give now” and “Solo Veteran EV Journey” from the drop-down menu.
Burton said every contribution matters. He hopes the drive and donations help veterans across Canada find support when they need it most.
Bob adds, will not forget Perth and finally meeting his brother-in-arms Don, face-to-face.
