Sad Days for Canada

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, (left) Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, 53, (right).

We've had a couple of sad and tragic incidents here in Canada recently. Two Canadian soldiers were murdered in cold blood by two lowlife cowards.

The perpetrators were what I'd call homegrown terrorists with twisted ideologies. I'd be willing to bet they were ISIS/ISIL sympathizers. Ever since Canada agreed to support the coalition in the fight against this terrorist organization we've come under threat from its supporters.

The first attack happened in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, 53, and another soldier were run over by Martin Couture-Rouleau. He waited in his car in a parking lot for two hours and when he saw the soldiers (one of whom was in uniform) he ran them over.

Vincent died of his injuries. Couture-Rouleau, was shot and killed by police after a high speed chase in which he flipped his car.

The second attack happened at the nation's capital, Ottawa. Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, 24, of Hamilton, Ontario was one of two soldiers standing guard at the National War Memorial when Michael Zehaf-Bibeau came up and shot him twice in the back with a rifle. Bystanders attempted CPR, but Cirillo was mortally wounded.

Zehaf-Bibeau continued from the War Memorial to Parliament Hill in a car he had driven there. He exited the car in front of the main gates and stole another one inside the grounds. He drove this one to the Centre Block all the while being chased by the Mounties.

He gains access to the Centre Block where he is confronted by security guards. He shoots one in the foot then continues further into the building. Around the Library of Parliament a gun battle ensues. Zehaf-Bibeau, who is wearing full body armour, is fatally shot here. Kevin Michael Vickers, Canada's Sergeant-at-Arms, is given partial credit for stopping him.

To Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Patrice Vincent and all the men and women in our Armed Forces you have my utmost respect and admiration. Thank you for your sacrifices in holding up our ideals and keeping our country safe from those who seek to harm us.

Remembrance Day

Real Heros

Everyone has heros. Some see Michael Jordan as their hero. Others Derek Jeter or Tiger Woods. While each of them has their own merits I'd like to suggest our real heros are our war vets.

I was at the Remembrance Day ceremony today at Queen's Park. It was the first time I've had the privilege of attending. This was a time for the citizens of our city to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought for our country in wars past and continue to fight in current conflicts. Dalton McGuinty, the premier of Ontario, spoke first. He was followed by other dignitaries, both civilian and military. They reminded us of the many sacrifices our men and women in the military have made and thanked them for their service. I, for one, am deeply gratified.

I had the honour of both shaking hands with and thanking Major-General Richard Rohmer (left) and Bruce Melanson (right) after the ceremony. Both are veterans of World War II. I overheard Mr. Melanson described war as "hell" while speaking to another person there. I can only imagine. It must have been terrifying. He was fighting in France with the Allied forces. As we know many young men never made it back alive. To show our appreciation, the least we can do is honour their memory and never forget.

Check out the complete set of photos on my Flickr.com photostream. View as slideshow is best.

Fallen Heros

I went to the Remembrance Day ceremony at Queen's Park earlier today. Afterwards I dropped by the cenotaph at Old City Hall to view the wreaths laid there. Many people had placed poppies around the grass where it was. I was moved to see two flyers there of recently fallen soldiers, Sapper Sean David Greensfield, and, Corporal Shane Keating. These young men served in the conflict in Afghanistan and paid the ultimate sacrifice. No matter what you think of war, you have to honour the memory of those who put everything on the line to defend our freedoms.

Lest We Forget...