69 Canadians have died in Afghanistan since 2002. Although this number pales in comparison to the thousands of Americans who have died in Iraq, it is still significant. Canada is on a peace keeping mission in Afghanistan, but this does not mean the men and women who are over there are safe.
Over the last six months especially, it seems as though frequency of Canadian deaths overseas has been increasing. Just this summer our town lost one of its young residents, Darryl Caswell. Since then, the streets have been adorned with yellow ribbons, Canadian flags and signs confirming that “We Support Our Troops”. My friend Ingrid’s son Ryan has been in Afghanistan since February, and every time the headlines have reported another soldier’s life has been lost there, I’ve held my breath in a near prayer, with great hope it isn’t Ryan. He is supposed to come home sometime this month. Trooper Caswell was just two weeks away from returning home.
Recently Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty suggested that the strip of Highway 401 from Trenton to Toronto, the strip over which the procession of soldiers’ bodies travel, be named the Highway of Heroes.
Yesterday as Graham and I traveled home from Guelph, the highway overpasses were filled with local residents who had gathered to pay their respects to two more soldiers who were making their final trip home. Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed this taking place. This time, I had my camera and was able to capture some inspirational moments.
Traffic was backed up for miles. The highway ramps were closed to allow the procession to make its way through. Local citizens lined up to show their support.
Canadian pride.
Five officers.
The back window of our car was dirty from driving on the backroads all weekend, but at least you’ll get an idea for how many people came to show their support.
We passed the procession heading in the opposite direction. I couldn’t help but think about the wives, mothers and daughters of these men. My heart leapt into my throat when I thought about them riding in that shiny black car behind the Hearst that carried their husband, son or father home for burial. What a bittersweet feeling of pride, sorrow and loss they must have felt. I hope that the show of patriotism, pride and support from hundreds of strangers comforted them, even if for just a moment.
Wow. I have yet to witness this. I hope it does comfort those left behind in some small way.
Whoops. The above is me…forgot to change the settings that were saved…
I don’t know if it would be enough for me if I lost my son. I have such mixed emotions, I know we’re trying to do something good in Afghanistan but I don’t think it’ll work. If you read any of the history of Afghanistan, we won’t make much difference and we’ll be replaced by others.
You Canadians are all right. I doubt you could pull Americans away from their TVs to do the same. Maybe I am just cynical.
I love that you posted this.
I get all chocked up each time I see images like these.
It makes me so proud to be Canadian.
Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh.
It chokes you up, doesn’t it? It hits me so hard what a LOSS.
Because of where I live we have many locals fighting overseas. The day the jets set out from base carrying the majority of the pilots to Iraq, we all met outside and stared up as they flew overhead. Everyone paused, probably most sent up a prayer.
Everywhere we go, there are support and pleas for prayer boards with names, rank and station. Sometimes photos. I feel so maternal because they are usually so, so young. It gets me sometimes.
And when one is lost…yes…we do for them. Just yesterday, another loss.
This was a great post. I’m so glad to know people see it, feel it.
Julie
Ravin’ Picture Maven
Thank you for this post. It is a dear reminder that EACH life is precious and we are, indeed, ALL connected. If each person who displayed a yellow ribbon on their home/car/tree would demand an end to these bloody, unjust conflicts, we could TRULY SUPPORT our troops by bringing them home!
My heartfelt gratitude for the kind remembrance efforts of our neighbors to the North.
Peace,
Lisa