Post by READ on Nov 11, 2009 0:14:10 GMT -5
lest we forget
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
~Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
What alot of People don't know?
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote this poem the day after his best friend died in battle...In front of his eyes. We remember the deceased, but don't forget to remember those who watched there friends, siblings, fathers die. Don't forget those who remember the horror, the gun shots raging, the blood and gore. War then was much different then war now. Much more brutal, much more terrifying. The soldiers freed us. They fought and gave us a home we can be proud of today. So let us remember them. Please, American's and Canadians alike. Take a minute. Turn off your TV's, Hush your children or siblings or parents. Bow your heads and take a minute to remember those who fought for our freedom.
Are You realizing the loss yet?
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
- - - - - - - - -- - - - - -
Canadian Soldiers Lost
Since the start of Canadian military activities in Afghanistan, 133 Canadian soldiers have lost their lives. A Canadian diplomat and two Canadian aid workers have also been killed over the course of the insurgency.
Sapper Steven Marshall
Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, had only been in Afghanistan for a week before the blast. His death comes just as the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry begin their rotation in the country.
Marshall was described as a popular soldier in his unit who had a great sense of humour and smile that was 'contagious.'
Oct. 28, 2009: Canadian soldier, 26, killed by IED blast
A 26-year-old Canadian soldier was killed and two others injured in an IED blast, in southern Afghanistan.
The victim was identified as Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes, a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes
Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes, a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, was training local Afghan police. He was struck by an IED blast just 10 days into his deployment.
'So early in the deployment, Justin's death is going to be difficult to accept by his brothers in arms, but will not deter any of us from continuing with our mission,' said Brig. Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Task Force Kandahar.
Boyes grew up in Saskatchewan and leaves behind his wife, Alanna, and son, James.
Sept. 17, 2009: Canadian soldier killed in IED strike, 11 injured
Another Canadian soldier has been killed and 11 others injured in an IED strike in Afghanistan.
Pte. Jonathan Couturier, 23, of 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment, based in Valcartier, Que. Couturier was described as the 'little brother' of certain members of his section, a soldier who never lost his sense of humour, even in stressful times. 'He never missed an occasion to talk about his passions -- hockey, his (Ford) Mustang and last but not least the love of his life -- Andreanne,' his commanding officer said.
Sept. 13, 2009: Soldier falls victim to roadside bomb
Pte. Patrick Lormand, 21, was with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. Known as 'Lorm' to his friends, he was well liked and was credited with raising the morale of his section and his platoon. He is survived by his parents Jacques and Sylvie Lormand.
Sept. 6, 2009: Two soldiers killed in roadside blast
A powerful roadside bomb blast hit an armoured vehicle that was part of a Canadian convoy on a road southwest of Kandahar, killing two soldiers. Five others were also injured but their conditions were not serious.
Maj. Yannick Pepin
Maj. Yannick Pepin, 36. With the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, stationed in Valcartier, Que.Pepin had been in the Canadian Forces for a decade and took great pride in the mission. He leaves behind his partner Annie and two children, Alexandra and Charles.
Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin
Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 21, with the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, stationed in Valcartier, Que. He was known as 'Big Drou' to his friends and is remembered as somone who liked to make others laugh. He received an accelerated promotion to corporal just before his last mission. Survived by his partner Audrey.
August 1, 2009: Two soldiers killed in IED blast
Two soldiers were killed when their re-supply convoy was struck by two improvised explosive devices in the Zhari district.
Cpl. Christian Bobbitt
Cpl. Christian Bobbitt, 23, was a member of the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment with the 2e Batallion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. He was based in Valcartier, Que.
Bobbitt, known as “Bob” to his friends and fellow soldiers, was known for both his sense of humour and his technical expertise. He is credited with playing an integral role in Task Force Kandahar’s efforts to clear roadways of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He is survived by his spouse, Felicia, his brother, Jonathan, and his parents, Liane and Yvan.
Sapper Matthieu Allard
Sapper Matthieu Allard, 21, was a member of the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment with the 2e Batallion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. He was based in Valcartier, Que.
Allard was known as a hard-working soldier and a team leader. “If you didn’t say stop, he’d always continue working,” said Maj. Yannick Pepin, commander of the 51 Field Engineering squadron.
Allard is survived by his parents, Rene and Christine.
July 16, 2009: Soldier killed in fall from cliff
A soldier died during a counterinsurgency mission in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province, when he fell from a high position on a cliff.
Pte. Sebastien Courcy
Pte. Sebastien Courcy, 26, was a member of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. Courcy is survived by his mother, Ginette, and his sister Julie.
Courcy was described as a 'fine soldier' by his commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
'Sebastien gave his life for Canada. Such is the price soldiers must sometimes pay to honour their obligation to their country and to the missions set before them,' Vance said.
July 6, 2009: Two Canadians killed in helicopter crash
Two Canadian soldiers died when a Griffon helicopter crashed near a U.S. base, 80 kilometres northeast of Kandahar.
Another coalition soldier also died in the incident, and three Canadians injured. Insurgents were not involved in the incident.
Master Cpl. Pat Audet
Master Cpl. Pat Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and was based in Valcartier, Que.
He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan.
Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Audet, 38, “played a valuable role in reducing exposures to (improvised explosive devices), and by providing aviation support to combat operations.”
He is survived by his wife Katherine and his parents.
Cpl. Martin Joannette
Cpl. Martin Joannette served with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, based in Valcartier, Que.
The 25-year-old soldier was on his third deployment to Afghanistan.
Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Joannette “played a valuable role in reducing exposures to (improvised explosive devices), and by providing aviation support to combat operations.”
He is survived by his wife, Marie-Eve.
July 4, 2009: Soldier dies from injuries from IED blast
A Canadian soldier died from injuries sustained in an IED blast several weeks prior.
The incident occurred on June 23 while on foot patrol in the Panjwaii district, southwest of Kandahar city. He died in Quebec City in hospital.
Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud
Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud was from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier.
He was on his second tour of Afghanistan.
Col. Jean Marc Lanthier, commander of the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, called Michaud a mentor to other soldiers, as well as a model soldier.
He is survived by his wife, parents and brother.
July 3, 2009: Soldier killed, 5 injured in roadside bomb blast
A Canadian soldier travelling in a convoy carrying the senior commander in Kandahar province was killed Friday when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Five other soldiers were hurt, but Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, who commands coalition forces in Kandahar, escaped injury.
Cpl. Nicholas Bulger
Cpl. Nicholas Bulger, 30, was a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
Bulger started basic military training in November of 2000 in Saint Jean, Quebec, underwent trades training for the infantry in Wainwright, Alberta, and then in 2001 became the rifleman and armoured vehicle driver for the First Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton. He took a break from the forces and returned in January 2008.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
June 14, 2009: Soldier killed trying to defuse bomb
A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan when one of two roadside bombs he was trying to defuse exploded. The explosion also killed an Afghan police officer and gravely injured a local interpreter.
Cpl. Martin Dube
Cpl. Martin Dube, a combat engineer, was from 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City. Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Dube as someone who enjoyed life and was good at making others laugh. He said Dube, a skilled perfectionist, was 'one of the best guys to be around.' Dube is survived by his girlfriend, Julie, his parents, Marie-Paule and Roger and his brother Vincent.
June 8, 2009: Soldier killed on foot patrol
A Canadian soldier on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan was killed by an improvised explosive device in the volatile Panjwaii district.
Pte. Alexandre Peloquin
Pte. Alexandre Peloquin, 20, was known to his friends as 'Pelo.' He served with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. He is survived by his mother, Monique.
April 23, 2009: Major found dead on military base
Enemy action is ruled out in the death of a soldier found at Kandahar Airfield, who had served at Joint Task Force Kandahar headquarters. Circumstances of death under investigation.
Maj. Michelle Mendes
Maj. Michelle Mendes, who was 30, hailed from a small town near Colborne, Ont. She served in a previous tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2006. At that time she served as a captain with the Ottawa-based 154 Squadron. She had graduated from Kingston's Royal Military College in 2001 with a history degree. Her mother told a community newspaper in 2006 that her daughter had opted to work in military intelligence.
'Her tragic death has left many of us stunned,' Padre Martine Belanger during her ramp ceremony in Kandahar.
April 13, 2009: Canadian killed, 4 hurt in Afghan blast
A Canadian soldier died and four others were wounded when their armoured vehicle rolled over an improvised explosive device north of Kandahar city on Monday.
Trooper Karine Blais
Blais served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group -- the famed Quebec regiment nicknamed the Van Doos -- based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City. Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Blais as an energetic soldier who gave '100 per cent to every challenge she faced.' Vance said Blais demonstrated qualities of a future leader, adding she had a 'unique sense of humour' and that she was respected by all members of her squadron. Blais leaves behind her mother Josee, her grandmother Laurette and her brother, Billy.
March 20, 2009: 4 soldiers killed in 2 separate attacks
Four Canadian soldiers were killed and another eight injured in Afghanistan in two separate improvised explosive attacks.
Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli
Vernelli, 28, served with November Company, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described him as a 'superb soldier' -- who junior soldiers looked up to and respected.
'He was an enthusiastic and dedicated father,' said Vance. 'He was a terrific athlete, very funny, and ironically enough, always able to joke at the worst of times.' Vernelli is survived by his wife and six-month-old daughter.
Cpl. Tyler Crooks
Crooks, 24, served with November Company, 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment.
He is remembered as a 'keen and motivated soldier, and also a great athlete,' said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
He had an affinity for dirt-biking and was a 'Texas-hold'em cardshark.' 'He's remembered by his friends as the kind of guy who will do anything for you without even being asked,' said Vance. He is survived by his parents, his fiancée Kelly Maxwell, and his brother Tage Crooks.
Trooper Jack Bouthillier
Bouthillier, 20, served with the Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. His home unit was The Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Bouthillier enjoyed challenges and was an athlete who practised martial arts.
'He was a joker who made everyone laugh. His enthusiasm and ardour at work inspired everyone,' said Vance. He left behind his parents and a companion.
Trooper Corey Hayes
Hayes, 22, was a 'proud and dedicated soldier who always put his friends and family before himself,' said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance. 'His friends remember him not only as a friend and a comrade-in-arms, but a brother who inspired them to stand up in the face of danger, and do what was right.'
Hayes was a member of Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. His home unit was The Royal Canadian Dragoons. He is survived by his parents.
March 8, 2009: Soldier killed by roadside bomb
A Canadian soldier is killed and four others injured when their armoured vehicle strikes a roadside bomb. The group had been patrolling an area northeast of Kandahar city.
Trooper Marc Diab
Diab served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons and was a was a member of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said he was a passionate soldier who ‘loved to make people laugh’ and ‘never stopped giving.’ Diab was also deeply committed to his church, loved playing soccer, and had a close relationship with his family and girlfriend.
March 3, 2009: 3 soldiers killed on patrol in Arghandab District
Three Canadian Forces personnel are killed after an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. Two others were injured in the attack.
Cpl. Dany Olivier Fortin
From 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville. Fortin, an ardent supporter of the Montreal Canadiens, was known to his fellow soldiers as 'Danny-O.'
Warrant Officer Denis Raymond Brown
From the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Brown was a husband and father of four children. In his civilian life, Brown serves as a police special constable. He was described as cheerful and upbeat, no matter the challenge he was facing.
Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn
From 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron. O'Quinn, known as 'Chad' by his friends, was described as a 'proud, dedicated soldier who had a bright future ahead of him' and believed he could accomplish anything in life -- a belief shared by those who knew him.
Jan. 31, 2009: One soldier killed by roadside bomb
A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan as he participated in a major operation to locate bomb-making factories in Taliban territory. The soldier was killed at the tail end of the mission when his vehicle was struck by a improvised explosive device.
Sapper Sean Greenfield
Greenfield was a member of 24 Field Engineer Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Greenfield, 25, was described as exceptionally fit and aspired to join JTF2, Canada's elite and secretive special forces team. His fellow soldiers said he had a great sense of humour and he loved to sing and play guitar.
Jan. 7, 2009: One soldier dead, 3 injured in IED blast
One Canadian soldier was killed and three injured after an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle in Afghanistan's Shah Wali Kowt district. Col. Jamie Cade, acting commander of Task Force Kandahar, called IEDs a "plague" that is difficult to fight. Over the last month alone, 10 Canadian soldiers have been killed by IEDs.
Trooper Brian Richard Good
Member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Good, 42, is described by fellow soldiers as an easygoing man with a distinctive laugh, and who was active in his community. He was remembered for his devotion to his wife, Sandra, and two daughters.
Sapper Steven Marshall, 24, had only been in Afghanistan for a week before the blast. His death comes just as the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry begin their rotation in the country.
Marshall was described as a popular soldier in his unit who had a great sense of humour and smile that was 'contagious.'
Oct. 28, 2009: Canadian soldier, 26, killed by IED blast
A 26-year-old Canadian soldier was killed and two others injured in an IED blast, in southern Afghanistan.
The victim was identified as Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes, a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes
Lt. Justin Garrett Boyes, a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, was training local Afghan police. He was struck by an IED blast just 10 days into his deployment.
'So early in the deployment, Justin's death is going to be difficult to accept by his brothers in arms, but will not deter any of us from continuing with our mission,' said Brig. Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Task Force Kandahar.
Boyes grew up in Saskatchewan and leaves behind his wife, Alanna, and son, James.
Sept. 17, 2009: Canadian soldier killed in IED strike, 11 injured
Another Canadian soldier has been killed and 11 others injured in an IED strike in Afghanistan.
Pte. Jonathan Couturier, 23, of 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment, based in Valcartier, Que. Couturier was described as the 'little brother' of certain members of his section, a soldier who never lost his sense of humour, even in stressful times. 'He never missed an occasion to talk about his passions -- hockey, his (Ford) Mustang and last but not least the love of his life -- Andreanne,' his commanding officer said.
Sept. 13, 2009: Soldier falls victim to roadside bomb
Pte. Patrick Lormand, 21, was with the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. Known as 'Lorm' to his friends, he was well liked and was credited with raising the morale of his section and his platoon. He is survived by his parents Jacques and Sylvie Lormand.
Sept. 6, 2009: Two soldiers killed in roadside blast
A powerful roadside bomb blast hit an armoured vehicle that was part of a Canadian convoy on a road southwest of Kandahar, killing two soldiers. Five others were also injured but their conditions were not serious.
Maj. Yannick Pepin
Maj. Yannick Pepin, 36. With the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, stationed in Valcartier, Que.Pepin had been in the Canadian Forces for a decade and took great pride in the mission. He leaves behind his partner Annie and two children, Alexandra and Charles.
Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin
Cpl. Jean-Francois Drouin, 21, with the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, stationed in Valcartier, Que. He was known as 'Big Drou' to his friends and is remembered as somone who liked to make others laugh. He received an accelerated promotion to corporal just before his last mission. Survived by his partner Audrey.
August 1, 2009: Two soldiers killed in IED blast
Two soldiers were killed when their re-supply convoy was struck by two improvised explosive devices in the Zhari district.
Cpl. Christian Bobbitt
Cpl. Christian Bobbitt, 23, was a member of the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment with the 2e Batallion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. He was based in Valcartier, Que.
Bobbitt, known as “Bob” to his friends and fellow soldiers, was known for both his sense of humour and his technical expertise. He is credited with playing an integral role in Task Force Kandahar’s efforts to clear roadways of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He is survived by his spouse, Felicia, his brother, Jonathan, and his parents, Liane and Yvan.
Sapper Matthieu Allard
Sapper Matthieu Allard, 21, was a member of the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment with the 2e Batallion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. He was based in Valcartier, Que.
Allard was known as a hard-working soldier and a team leader. “If you didn’t say stop, he’d always continue working,” said Maj. Yannick Pepin, commander of the 51 Field Engineering squadron.
Allard is survived by his parents, Rene and Christine.
July 16, 2009: Soldier killed in fall from cliff
A soldier died during a counterinsurgency mission in the Panjwaii district of Kandahar province, when he fell from a high position on a cliff.
Pte. Sebastien Courcy
Pte. Sebastien Courcy, 26, was a member of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22e Regiment, also known as the Van Doos. Courcy is survived by his mother, Ginette, and his sister Julie.
Courcy was described as a 'fine soldier' by his commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
'Sebastien gave his life for Canada. Such is the price soldiers must sometimes pay to honour their obligation to their country and to the missions set before them,' Vance said.
July 6, 2009: Two Canadians killed in helicopter crash
Two Canadian soldiers died when a Griffon helicopter crashed near a U.S. base, 80 kilometres northeast of Kandahar.
Another coalition soldier also died in the incident, and three Canadians injured. Insurgents were not involved in the incident.
Master Cpl. Pat Audet
Master Cpl. Pat Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, and was based in Valcartier, Que.
He was on his first deployment to Afghanistan.
Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Audet, 38, “played a valuable role in reducing exposures to (improvised explosive devices), and by providing aviation support to combat operations.”
He is survived by his wife Katherine and his parents.
Cpl. Martin Joannette
Cpl. Martin Joannette served with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, based in Valcartier, Que.
The 25-year-old soldier was on his third deployment to Afghanistan.
Canadian commander Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Joannette “played a valuable role in reducing exposures to (improvised explosive devices), and by providing aviation support to combat operations.”
He is survived by his wife, Marie-Eve.
July 4, 2009: Soldier dies from injuries from IED blast
A Canadian soldier died from injuries sustained in an IED blast several weeks prior.
The incident occurred on June 23 while on foot patrol in the Panjwaii district, southwest of Kandahar city. He died in Quebec City in hospital.
Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud
Master Cpl. Charles-Philippe Michaud was from the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier.
He was on his second tour of Afghanistan.
Col. Jean Marc Lanthier, commander of the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, called Michaud a mentor to other soldiers, as well as a model soldier.
He is survived by his wife, parents and brother.
July 3, 2009: Soldier killed, 5 injured in roadside bomb blast
A Canadian soldier travelling in a convoy carrying the senior commander in Kandahar province was killed Friday when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.
Five other soldiers were hurt, but Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, who commands coalition forces in Kandahar, escaped injury.
Cpl. Nicholas Bulger
Cpl. Nicholas Bulger, 30, was a member of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
Bulger started basic military training in November of 2000 in Saint Jean, Quebec, underwent trades training for the infantry in Wainwright, Alberta, and then in 2001 became the rifleman and armoured vehicle driver for the First Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Edmonton. He took a break from the forces and returned in January 2008.
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
June 14, 2009: Soldier killed trying to defuse bomb
A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan when one of two roadside bombs he was trying to defuse exploded. The explosion also killed an Afghan police officer and gravely injured a local interpreter.
Cpl. Martin Dube
Cpl. Martin Dube, a combat engineer, was from 5e Regiment du Genie de Combat based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City. Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Dube as someone who enjoyed life and was good at making others laugh. He said Dube, a skilled perfectionist, was 'one of the best guys to be around.' Dube is survived by his girlfriend, Julie, his parents, Marie-Paule and Roger and his brother Vincent.
June 8, 2009: Soldier killed on foot patrol
A Canadian soldier on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan was killed by an improvised explosive device in the volatile Panjwaii district.
Pte. Alexandre Peloquin
Pte. Alexandre Peloquin, 20, was known to his friends as 'Pelo.' He served with the 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Regiment, based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. He is survived by his mother, Monique.
April 23, 2009: Major found dead on military base
Enemy action is ruled out in the death of a soldier found at Kandahar Airfield, who had served at Joint Task Force Kandahar headquarters. Circumstances of death under investigation.
Maj. Michelle Mendes
Maj. Michelle Mendes, who was 30, hailed from a small town near Colborne, Ont. She served in a previous tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2006. At that time she served as a captain with the Ottawa-based 154 Squadron. She had graduated from Kingston's Royal Military College in 2001 with a history degree. Her mother told a community newspaper in 2006 that her daughter had opted to work in military intelligence.
'Her tragic death has left many of us stunned,' Padre Martine Belanger during her ramp ceremony in Kandahar.
April 13, 2009: Canadian killed, 4 hurt in Afghan blast
A Canadian soldier died and four others were wounded when their armoured vehicle rolled over an improvised explosive device north of Kandahar city on Monday.
Trooper Karine Blais
Blais served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment Battle Group -- the famed Quebec regiment nicknamed the Van Doos -- based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, near Quebec City. Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described Blais as an energetic soldier who gave '100 per cent to every challenge she faced.' Vance said Blais demonstrated qualities of a future leader, adding she had a 'unique sense of humour' and that she was respected by all members of her squadron. Blais leaves behind her mother Josee, her grandmother Laurette and her brother, Billy.
March 20, 2009: 4 soldiers killed in 2 separate attacks
Four Canadian soldiers were killed and another eight injured in Afghanistan in two separate improvised explosive attacks.
Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli
Vernelli, 28, served with November Company, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance described him as a 'superb soldier' -- who junior soldiers looked up to and respected.
'He was an enthusiastic and dedicated father,' said Vance. 'He was a terrific athlete, very funny, and ironically enough, always able to joke at the worst of times.' Vernelli is survived by his wife and six-month-old daughter.
Cpl. Tyler Crooks
Crooks, 24, served with November Company, 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment.
He is remembered as a 'keen and motivated soldier, and also a great athlete,' said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance.
He had an affinity for dirt-biking and was a 'Texas-hold'em cardshark.' 'He's remembered by his friends as the kind of guy who will do anything for you without even being asked,' said Vance. He is survived by his parents, his fiancée Kelly Maxwell, and his brother Tage Crooks.
Trooper Jack Bouthillier
Bouthillier, 20, served with the Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. His home unit was The Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said Bouthillier enjoyed challenges and was an athlete who practised martial arts.
'He was a joker who made everyone laugh. His enthusiasm and ardour at work inspired everyone,' said Vance. He left behind his parents and a companion.
Trooper Corey Hayes
Hayes, 22, was a 'proud and dedicated soldier who always put his friends and family before himself,' said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance. 'His friends remember him not only as a friend and a comrade-in-arms, but a brother who inspired them to stand up in the face of danger, and do what was right.'
Hayes was a member of Reconnaissance Squadron, 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. His home unit was The Royal Canadian Dragoons. He is survived by his parents.
March 8, 2009: Soldier killed by roadside bomb
A Canadian soldier is killed and four others injured when their armoured vehicle strikes a roadside bomb. The group had been patrolling an area northeast of Kandahar city.
Trooper Marc Diab
Diab served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons and was a was a member of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said he was a passionate soldier who ‘loved to make people laugh’ and ‘never stopped giving.’ Diab was also deeply committed to his church, loved playing soccer, and had a close relationship with his family and girlfriend.
March 3, 2009: 3 soldiers killed on patrol in Arghandab District
Three Canadian Forces personnel are killed after an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle during a patrol in the Arghandab District. Two others were injured in the attack.
Cpl. Dany Olivier Fortin
From 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville. Fortin, an ardent supporter of the Montreal Canadiens, was known to his fellow soldiers as 'Danny-O.'
Warrant Officer Denis Raymond Brown
From the Lincoln and Welland Regiment. Brown was a husband and father of four children. In his civilian life, Brown serves as a police special constable. He was described as cheerful and upbeat, no matter the challenge he was facing.
Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn
From 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron. O'Quinn, known as 'Chad' by his friends, was described as a 'proud, dedicated soldier who had a bright future ahead of him' and believed he could accomplish anything in life -- a belief shared by those who knew him.
Jan. 31, 2009: One soldier killed by roadside bomb
A Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan as he participated in a major operation to locate bomb-making factories in Taliban territory. The soldier was killed at the tail end of the mission when his vehicle was struck by a improvised explosive device.
Sapper Sean Greenfield
Greenfield was a member of 24 Field Engineer Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment based out of Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Greenfield, 25, was described as exceptionally fit and aspired to join JTF2, Canada's elite and secretive special forces team. His fellow soldiers said he had a great sense of humour and he loved to sing and play guitar.
Jan. 7, 2009: One soldier dead, 3 injured in IED blast
One Canadian soldier was killed and three injured after an improvised explosive device detonated near their armoured vehicle in Afghanistan's Shah Wali Kowt district. Col. Jamie Cade, acting commander of Task Force Kandahar, called IEDs a "plague" that is difficult to fight. Over the last month alone, 10 Canadian soldiers have been killed by IEDs.
Trooper Brian Richard Good
Member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa, Ont., serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment.
Good, 42, is described by fellow soldiers as an easygoing man with a distinctive laugh, and who was active in his community. He was remembered for his devotion to his wife, Sandra, and two daughters.
So while you remember, your poppy worn over your heart and so on, think about the family's as well. The poor children without fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers. The parents who lose there children, spouses...All because they want freedom. Take time to remember our soliders. These are just some of the thousands we've lost.Lest we forget.
[/blockquote]
HERO OF WAR-RISE AGAINST
I know american's celebrate things at a different time then us Canadians do. But I know that for me, morally, i need to do this. For the veterans who died to make Canada a free, spectacular country, and a phenomenal place to live. If you want to comment, Please do. Just no rude comments. Things like this mean alot to me, and I trust most of you to be polite.