Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Afghanistan deaths hang over Vimy commemoration
A day in Ottawa and France to mark sacrifices by Canadian soldiers 90 years ago at Vimy Ridge was overshadowed by the deaths of six soldiers in Afghanistan.
“We’re celebrating a victory of 90 years ago, but we also remember the six soldiers who continued to serve our country,” said Gen. Rick Hillier, Canada’s top soldier, in France on Monday.
“We also remember their peers and colleagues, who are still on that mission and do the great work we ask of them.”
The Easter Sunday blast in the western part of Kandahar province caused the worst single-day loss of life for Canadian soldiers in more than 50 years.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean said Monday at the National War Memorial in Ottawa that she was in Afghanistan just a few months ago.
“I was with them and I’m terribly sad, saddened by the news and I’ll be with the families,” said the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
“My heart breaks. I cry every time a soldier goes. I think it’s hard for any mother to lose a child,” said Wilhelmina Beerenfenger-Kohler, this year’s Silver Cross mother. (Source: CTV News)