Fallen Heroes Honoured At Queen's Park
November 9, 2009 4:00 PM
McGuinty Government Pays Tribute To Soldiers Who Paid The Highest Price
Ontario paid tribute to 15 soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country at a moving ceremony at Queen's Park today.
Most of the soldiers honoured today were killed in Afghanistan. Others died while on duty with the Canadian Forces in Canada and around the world. All were honoured for giving their lives in service to their country.
Premier Dalton McGuinty presented Tribute to the Fallen plaques to families of the fallen soldiers. Canada's Chief of Defense Staff, General Walt Natynczyk attended the ceremony on behalf of the Canadian Forces, along with Brigadier-General John Collin, Commander Land Force Central Area/Joint Task Force Central.
Ontario's Tribute to the Fallen was created in 2006 to honour firefighters, police officers and members of the Canadian Forces who have died in the line of duty since 2002. The tribute includes a specially designed trillium and a brass plate with a commemorative inscription.
QUICK FACTS
- To date, 118 soldiers, firefighters and police officers have been honoured with the Tribute to the Fallen.
- There are 25 Canadian Forces bases in Ontario.
- About 62,000 Canadians are members of the regular force and 25,000 currently serve with the reserve force.
ontario.ca/premier
Fallen Heroes Honoured At Queen's Park
"Today we pay tribute to those who gave their lives so others could know hope and opportunity and we thank their families for their sacrifices. Living in peace has not made us forget how to honour service or sacrifice -- it has made us honour it all the more."
– Premier Dalton McGuinty
"Our fallen soldiers worked at home and abroad for the benefit of Canada and of all Canadians. They lived selflessly to protect others, to help them, heal them and relieve their suffering. I applaud the support of Ontarians -- in particular the visible support demonstrated along the Highway of Heroes."
– General Walt Natynczyk
Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Forces
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