Out of respect, I have sort of avoided social media this week, except for the things I am obligated or promised others I would do. I also took the time to try and work out my own profound sadness and anger and collect my thoughts over the tragic events that have taken place over the last week and shaken us, as Canadians. I wrote a three page rambling diatribe while weeping one minute, fuming the next, but in the end decided to honour the men we've lost instead of sharing my scattered thoughts, the gist of which I have captured in the title of this post.
Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, was shot and killed while on honorary guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. He was a Hamilton reservist with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada regiment and the father of a kindergarten-aged son.
The following photo was taken just minutes before the incident. Wednesday morning, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo stood stoically in front of the National War Memorial standing guard over the tomb of the unknown soldier with his fellow guard. This is an honoured position. Two others were also injured during the shoot out.
Parliament Hill – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, was shot and killed while on honorary guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. He was a Hamilton reservist with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada regiment and the father of a kindergarten-aged son.
The following photo was taken just minutes before the incident. Wednesday morning, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo stood stoically in front of the National War Memorial standing guard over the tomb of the unknown soldier with his fellow guard. This is an honoured position. Two others were also injured during the shoot out.
 | ||
| Wednesday, October 22, 2014 |
Just days before this senseless tragedy, on Monday October 20th
Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, 53, was killed after being struck in a targeted hit-and-run attack in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. He was a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Forces. On that day, his partner was also injured.
I would like to extend on behalf of my family, our deepest condolences to the family of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Hamilton, and also the family and colleagues of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent. And keeping the other injured parties in our thoughts and prayers as they recuperate and heal. Our Nation is in mourning for these brave soldiers lost to these senselessness acts of cowardice.
We Will Never Forget. God Bless.
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Kathy Cirillo, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo's mother, follows the casket carrying her son, two days after he was shot dead by a gunman while guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa. (Credit: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Back in the arms of his regiment in Hamilton
No comments:
Post a Comment