A group of prominent Hamilton artists and business people have created a CD that will honour Canada’s soldiers on Remembrance Day.

Called “Canadian Heroes: Tribute to our Soldiers” the much-anticipated song will be officially unveiled Remembrance Day.

“It brings a tear to your eye,” said Mountain entrepreneur Chris Ecklund. “It will become the official song of Canada. It’s that good.”

The song was written by singer/songwriter Jay Simpson, who approached producers Georgie Fab and Stu Young earlier this year with the idea to create a song for Canada’s Armed Forces. Production started almost immediately, enlisting a who’s who of award-winning Canadian and Hamiltonian talent, including Sonny Del Rio, Gord Lewis, Steve Marshall and Jack Pedler of Teenage Head, Juno Award-winner Jack de Keyzer, Juno Award winner Steve Negus, Canadian Idol Brian Melo, three-time Juno Award winner Tom Wilson, Kelly Jay of Crowbar, four-time Juno Award winner Skip Prokop, Lighthouse’s Dan Clancy, Juno Award winner Ian Thomas, and the St. Michael School’s 72-member choir. The choir recorded their background vocals and chorus earlier this year while a few Canadian soldiers watched.

Former provincial politician Trevor Pettit, who has been involved in charity fundraisers previously, met with Mr. Fab to outline a possible marketing strategy to get the finished song out to Canadians. Mr. Pettit then contacted Mr. Ecklund, who recently took over the reins of its marketing possibilities.

“I was able to facilitate a few things,” said Mr. Pettit.

“The song is awesome,” he said. “We are excited about it. This project was Hamilton-driven.”

Since making the final post-production tweaks during the first week of October in Toronto’s Metalworks, Mr. Ecklund has been talking to every mover and shaker in Hamilton about the song.

“It’s hitting people close to their heart,” he said.

The idea is to officially release the CD to the public on Nov. 11. The sleeve and design of the CD cover is currently being done.

He also wants to officially play the song during Hamilton’s Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Gore Park cenotaph, but it is up to city officials to okay it.

“It’s a strong song that is catchy,” he said. “It’s rock ‘n’ rollish. That’s why people will remember it.”

A former member of the Canadian military, Mr. Ecklund said the proceeds from the sales of the CD and the memorabilia will be distributed to the Family Resource Centre in Toronto.

But Mr. Ecklund wants all Canadians to get involved in the project, to determine which direction it goes and how to honour the country’s military for their endeavors in Afghanistan and around the world.

As of October, over 130 Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan.

“Every Canadian, who cares about Canada and cares about its soldiers, needs to be involved,” he said.

Along with a website www.canadianheroes.com, which will be redesigned, Mr. Ecklund has set up a Facebook page, and is preparing to sell T-shirts, hats and other paraphernalia online for charity.

“This event can grow beyond just a CD,” he said. “It can manifest itself into something magnificent.”