As we discussed before, you're about to see an awesome and terrible sight.
When a large number of fallen return to Trenton, it takes considerably longer for the ceremonies and family greetings before they get on the highway.
By the time they get to you, on Sunday or Monday evening, it will be very dark. The mind-numbing display of 35 or 40 vehicles, all with lights flashing as they approach, will (quite frankly) move you to tears.
The four hearses; the large number of family limos; and the huge squad of escort vehicles will seem to stretch forever.
The military has identified the four Canadian soldiers killed in a blast that also killed a journalist.
They are Sgt. George Miok, 28, Cpl. Zachery McCormack, 21, both of Edmonton, Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yarmouth, N.S., and Pte. Garrett Chidley, 21, of Cambridge, Ont.
The soldiers, along with Michelle Lang of the Calgary Herald, were killed by a powerful explosion Wednesday during a patrol in Kandahar city.
The military has identified the four Canadian soldiers killed in a blast that also killed a journalist.
They are Sgt. George Miok, 28, Cpl. Zachery McCormack, 21, both of Edmonton, Sgt. Kirk Taylor, 28, of Yarmouth, N.S., and Pte. Garrett Chidley, 21, of Cambridge, Ont.
The soldiers, along with Michelle Lang of the Calgary Herald, were killed by a powerful explosion Wednesday during a patrol in Kandahar city.
Our service manager was just telling me that his nephew in Calgary works (worked) with Michelle.
Such a sad story. What a way to end the year................
__________________
1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
The growing loss of life is very sad. I can only imagine how the families of those who have lost their lives must feel. And how worried family members must be about loved ones who are currently serving, or who are scheduled to serve in Afghanistan in the near future.
Can we please leave any political comment out of this thread?
On the bridges, I have never heard any discussion pro or con as it relates to the rationale for the mission, or whether the government is right or wrong in sending our troops there.
There is nothing but solid support for the troops. I don't know if the person standing next to me voted Conservative, Liberal or NDP, and I don't care, as long as they are there to show support.
Honouring our heroes is simply about supporting the men and women who have volunteered to serve and have been wounded or have died as a result.
Assuming that Michelle Lang's body will also be taken to the Chief Coroner's Office in Toronto, there will be five hearses coming at us, rather than the expected four.
TRENTON Late Thursday evening, military officials announced the Calgary reporter killed with four soldiers will be repatriated with them Sunday at CFB Trenton.
"Its the first time we've repatriated somebody that wasn't a Canadian Forces member," Repatriation Officer Captain Wayne Johnston said.
Michelle Lang, a journalist from Calgary, was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) along with Sgt. George Miok, Sgt. Kirk Taylor, Cpl. Zachery McCormack and Pte. Garrett William Chidley on Dec. 30.
"She will be on the aircraft when it comes into Trenton and will be taken off the plane like she was a Canadian Forces member," Johnston said.
"She was in Afghanistan obviously doing the job she loved."
The award-winning journalist is the first Canadian member of the media to be killed in Afghanistan since 2002.
"She died with soldiers telling the story about soldiers and the good work they are doing in Afghanistan," Johnston said.
Johnston said though this is the first time in the history of the military a civilian has been repatriated, everyone felt it was the right thing to do. Military members involved with repatriations, along with high-ranking military officials in Ottawa, consulted on the details of Lang's return.
Repatriation of Michelle Lang in this way is the proper thing to do. With a heavy heart I am proud to be Canadian. Thank You Bob for keeping us updated on this.
I saw the ramp ceremony on CBC Newsworld, God it is impossible to hold back the tears. Michelle Lang's casket led the procession with full military honours, the four caskets of our forces boys in two rows side by side behind her. Both soliders and Civilians acted as pallbearers.
-- Edited by 73SC on Friday 1st of January 2010 04:54:16 PM
According to 680News, there is a possibility that the hearse carrying Michelle Lang's body will leave the cortège at the 401-DVP intersection to continue to Pearson Airport for the flight to B.C. (rather than the Ontario Chief Coroner's Office).
Because she was not part of the military, there may be no requirement for an autopsy to be conducted in Ontario. 680News is trying to get confirmation.
Perhaps the autopsy of Michelle Lang is at the family's discretion. We will know because the bridge we go to is one of the last ones on the Parkway.
Don Cherry just did his tribute to Sgt. George Miok, Sgt. Kirk Taylor, Cpl. Zachery McCormack, Pte. Garrett William Chidley and Michelle Lang. He also paid tribute to Constable Eric Czapnik of the Ottawa Police Killed in the line of duty on December 29th.
CTV News is covering the Repatriation live at 2:00 pm. It's Channel 62 in Toronto. CBC News World as well, Channel 26 in Toronto. Roads are not looking good down here:
-- Edited by 73SC on Sunday 3rd of January 2010 06:56:03 PM
The cortege left CFB Trenton at approx. 3:50 pm. We watched the coverage on CBC and CTV. Very emotional. Usually takes One hour and twenty minutes to get to the 401 and the Don Valley Parkway when it heads south into downtown Toronto, so we will be heading our in about 40 minutes.
The cortege made our location near downtown Toronto at 5:45 pm. Here are some images from Spanbridge this evening. (photos shot with a combination of Cannon A40 and Blackberry)
This is the sight that greeted us today, Goose and I arrived about 5:10 pm
Imagine my surprise when I found that the patriotic flag bearer was non other than 67HEAVEN - Here is Bob and me.
A few of the well wishers on the bridge
The start of the 40 vehicle cortege - The Govenor General's driver always makes sure to flash the lights and salute us with a beep or two on the horn.
-- Edited by 73SC on Sunday 3rd of January 2010 06:54:53 PM
Good for you guys. Great for you to bundle up and give encouragement. Looks like the wind even cooperated and gave your flag full effect. Keep it up. You're definetley our faithful representatives.
Good for you guys. Great for you to bundle up and give encouragement. Looks like the wind even cooperated and gave your flag full effect. Keep it up. You're definitely our faithful representatives.
Ditto. Thanks for doing that guys. I would do the same if I had a chance. As far as I've seen, really not much happens here but for the actual funerals for the soldiers.
__________________
1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles
1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Good for you guys. Great for you to bundle up and give encouragement. Looks like the wind even cooperated and gave your flag full effect. Keep it up. You're definitely our faithful representatives.
Carl Stevenson wrote: ________________________________________________________
Ditto. Thanks for doing that guys. I would do the same if I had a chance. As far as I've seen, really not much happens here but for the actual funerals for the soldiers.
It is the least those of us that live nearby can do.
As for bundling up - Genuine rabbit fur hat, Crown Cap Limited, Winnipeg MB.
