Canada: Fallen Canadian Soldiers of Afghanistan
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In Memory of Our Fallen Soldiers
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
~ Dr. John McCrae ~
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Canada, Canadian Soldiers, Afghanistan
Since the start of Canadian military activities in Afghanistan, 157 Canadian soldiers have lost their lives in the fight for freedom, safety and peace. Of the 157 Canadian soldiers, I have been able to compile a short list of the names, ranks and units that these men and women belonged while serving our country. On this day, November 11, not only shall I remember them, but ALL the fallen soldiers in wars past and in present wars who dedicate their lives to keeping peace and freedom on foreign soil and at home. A deep Thank You from the core of my heart.
A soldier is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank cheque made payable to "Canada" for an amount of "Up to and including my life".
Using Social Media to Honour and Remember
Today, November 9, 2011, beginning at 1100h, the Ottawa Citizen newspaper is sponsoring a special tribute to the fallen soldiers of Canada. These soldiers have fought in the many wars that the world has seen -- from World War I to peace keeping efforts in Afghanistan.
In the words of Flanders Fields, remembering and honouring the brave who have protected us and strangers of other lands, each and every soldier who has fallen for his/her country, will be tweeted on Twitter under the profile of "WeAretheDead". A soldier's name, ranking, age, base and place of death will be recited every hour. Due to the constriction of characters in Twitter, the Ottawa Citizen will provide a more detailed profile for each soldier as they are recited.
The names of the soldiers will be chosen randomly based on an algorithm from the data base that stores the names of all soldiers who have died defending and protecting those on behalf of Canada. It is a wonderful tribute, but on the other hand, a sad reminder of how many lives have been lost. This tribute, based on today's numbers of soldiers who have died, will continue well into 2025 before all dead soldiers of war have been recited. One tweet equals the recital of one fallen soldier.
Lest we forget.
Fallen Canadians of the Canadian Armed Forces
- Fallen Canadians
www.forces.gc.ca is the official Web site of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces. It is the best source of current and historical Canadian military information.
2008
May 6
Corporal Michael Starker, 36
Unit: 15 (Edmonton) Field Ambulance
June 3
Captain Richard Steven Leary, 32
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
June 7
Captain Jonathan (Jon) Sutherland Snyder, 26
Unit: 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
July 4
Corporal Brendan Anthony Downey, 37
Unit: Military Police Detachment
July 5
Private Colin William Wilmot, 24
Unit: 1 Field Ambulance
July 18
Corporal James (Jim) Hayward Arnal, 25
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
August 9
Master Corporal Joshua Brian Roberts, 29
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
August 11
Master Corporal Erin Doyle, 32
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
August 20
Sergeant Shawn Allen Eades, 33
Unit: 12th Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Battalion, PPCLI
August 20
Corporal Dustin Roy Robert Joseph Wasden, 25
Unit: 12th Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Batallion, PPCLI
August 20
Sapper Stephan John Stock, 25
Unit: 12th Field Squadron, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Batallion, PPCLI
September 3
Corporal Andrew Paul Grenon, 23
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
September 3
Corporal Michael James Alexander Seggie, 21
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
September 3
Private Chadwick James Horn, 21
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
September 7
Sergeant Prescott (Scott) Shipway, 36
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group
December 5
Private Diplaros Demetrios, 24
Unit: 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 5
Corporal Mark Robert McLaren, 23
Unit: 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 5
Warrant Officer Robert John Wilson, 38
Unit: 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 13
Private Justin Peter Jones, 21
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 13
Corporal Thomas James Hamilton, 26
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 13
Private John Michael Roy Curwin
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 26
Private Michael Freeman, 28
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
December 27
Sergeant Gregory Kruse
Unit: 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment
December 27
Warrant Officer Gaetan Roberge
Unit: Royal 22nd Regiment
2009
January 7
Trooper Brian Richard Good, 42
Unit: 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group
January 31
Sapper Sean Greenfield, 25
Unit: 2 Combat Engineer Regiment
March 3
Corporal Kenneth Chad O'Quinn
Unit: 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron
March 3
Warrant Officer Denis Raymond Brown
Unit: Lincoln and Welland Regiment
March 3
Corporal Dany Olivier Fortin
Unit: 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron
March 17
Trooper Marc Diab, 22
Unit: Royal Canadian Dragoons
March 20
Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, 22
Unit: Royal Canadian Dragoons
March 20
Trooper Jack Bouthillier, 20
Unit: Royal Canadian Dragoons
March 20
Master Corporal Scott Vernelli, 28
Unit: November Company, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment
March 20
Corporal Tyler Crooks, 24
Unit: November Company, 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment
April 13
Trooper Karine Blais, 21
Unit: 2nd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment
Private Alexandre Peloquin, 20
Unit: The Royal 22nd Regiment
July 3
Corporal Nicholas Bulger, 30
Unit: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
June 14
Corporal Martin Dubé, 35
Unit: 5 Combat Engineer Regiment
July 6
Corporal Martin Joannette, 25
Unit: 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
July 6
Master Corporal Patrice Audet, 38
Unit: 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
July 16
Private Sebastien Courcy, 26
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment
August 1
Corporal Christian Bobbitt, 23
Unit: 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group
August 1
Sapper Matthieu Allard, 21
Unit: 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group
September 6
Major Yannick Pepin, 36
Unit: 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group
September 6
Corporal Jean-Francois Drouin, 31
Unit: 5 Combat Engineer Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group
September 13
Private Patrick Lormand, 21
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment
September 17
Corporal Jonathan Couturier, 23
Unit: 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment
October 28
Lieutenant Justin Boyes, 26
Unit: 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
September 13
October 30
Sapper Steven Marshall, 24
Unit: 1 Combat Engineer Regiment
December 23
Lieutenant Andrew Richard Nuttall, 30
Unit: 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
December 30
Private Garrett William Chidley, 21
Unit: 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
December 30
Corporal Zachery McCormack, 21
Unit: Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 4th Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
December 30
Sergeant Kirk Taylor, 28
Unit: 84 Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery
December 30
Sergeant George Miok, 28
Unit: 41 Combat Engineer Regiment
2010
January 16
Sergeant John Wayne Faught, 44
January 16, 2010
Unit: 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
March 20
Corporal Darren James Fitzpatrick, 21
Unit: 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
April 11
Private Tyler William Todd, 26
Unit: 1st Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
May 3
Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake, 37
Unit: Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic)
May 13
Private Kevin Thomas McKay, 24
Unit: 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
May 18
Colonel Geoff Parker, 45
Unit: Royal Canadian Regiment
May 24
Trooper Larry John Zuidema Rudd, 26
Unit: Royal Canadian Dragoons, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
June 6
Sergeant Martin Goudreault, 35
Unit: 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, Edmonton, AB, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group
June 21
Sergeant James Patrick Macneil, 28
Unit: 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group
June 26
Private Andrew Miller, 21
Unit: 2 Canadian Field Hospital
June 26
Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht, 34
Unit: 1 Canadian Field Hospital
July 20
Sapper Brian Collier, 24
Unit: 1 Combat Engineer Regiment
August 30
Corporal Brian Pinksen, 21
Unit: 2nd Battalion, The Royal Newfoundland Regiment
December 18
Corporal Steve Martin, 24
Unit: 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment
2011
March 27
Corporal Yannick Scherrer, 24
Unit: 1er Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment
May 27
Bombardier Karl Manning, 31
Unit: 5e Régiment d'artillerie légère du Canada
June 25
Master Corporal Francis Roy, 32
Unit: Canadian Special Operations Regiment
My Apologies
With no disrespect to those who have fallen, I apologize for not mentioning their names. I had to stop. The sadness and pain is too great. As I read the names, see their faces in their photos and see their age, I cannot but help to weep for the losses that their families have faced, for the loss of their lives, for the loss of a mother or a father in their children's lives. I am deeply humbled by their loyalty, their passion, their courage and their strength.
For the many men, women, mothers, fathers, girlfriends and boyfriends who are still far from home, I pray for your safe return home.
Jonny Depp - Thank you. Love them! :)
Great Hub Beth, I have included a link back to your Hub from my external C Troops website, hope you don't mind.
LOVE IT :)
Readers,
Yesterday, July 1, 2011, was Canada's 144th birthday and celebrations echoed across this vast country throughout the day. Fireworks abounded and grand displays lit the skies at 2200h in each time zone.
As we celebrated Canada's birthday, my heart came back here. With the many Canadians who gave their lives to make this a beautiful country, to preserve freedom and peace in those that do not have it. My thoughts are with these heroic people.
I have since edited this article to reflect the true number of soldiers that we have lost during this war.
July 1, 2011, marked the last Canada Day celebration that will happen in Afghanistan for our troops. Our men and women are finally coming home. Their mission is finished.
Thank you, our protectors of our country and of freedom and peace.
God speed for a safe trip back home! We are all looking forward to seeing your smiling eyes!
Albertacowpoke -- Thank you for writing a piece on each of our fallen soldiers. My heart breaks everytime I come to this page. Thank you for coming and paying your respects.
Souleru -- yes, it is a touching poem, and unfortunately, too relevant today still. One would think that humans, being the intelligent animals we are, would learn from our mistakes and not repeat history. Thank you for leaving your thoughts.
We have lost 157 soldiers, one diplomat and one journalist from the Calgary Herald. I have done an article on every soldier that died in Afghanistan. It is indeed sad. I knew the first four and Captain Goddard personally. She was such a cheerful young lady. God Bless them All, may they rest in peace. Thank you for this.
Ddraigcoch -- Today marks another sad day as we have lost another Canadian soldier. Though not combat related, it still saddens my heart. The time for them to come home is drawing near, and I pray that all our men and women make it home safe and sound. Thank you.
very touching hub. I remember hearing In Flanders Fields first recited by my history teacher about WWI. Powerful poem that is still sadly relevant today.
My heart breaks whenever a list like this gets longer. But we must pay our respects and read on. R.I.P to all men and women brave enough to put their lives before others.
Savannah - Thank you for coming and paying your respects to our fallen men and women. Thank you, also, for your compliment on my articles. I enjoy sharing my thoughts, ideas and knowledge. I am glad that you came by too!
James -- Thank you for remembering our fallen. I salute all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for friends, family and those they will never meet. Peace and light.
I like this very much, the idea in itself is wonderful. You're hubs are unique and original, you never seem to miss a great opportunity! Thank you so much for sharing.
What a lovely thing to do. God Bless You for this tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. What more can a man give than to lay down his life for his friends. What more? For strangers.
I salute the fallen members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Winsome -- Thank you for sharing and reminding us of this. So similar. Life is a circle and we repeat ourselves until we learn and change. If only we could learn to be peaceful, then the world would be a much better place. Thank you Winsome.
Wonderful tribute Beth,reminds me of another remembering:
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about (the mighty warriors who) through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. .. Others were tortured ...Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about ..., destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them...Therefore, since we are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside what so easily hinders or entangles us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. ~ Hebrews 11:32-12:1
All my best. =:)
TattoGuy -- If you are refering to Shadesbreath's hub, then you would realize that what I referred to in the thread has nothing to do with gays. You should read his hub - http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Cyberwarrior-500-Bedpa - it's about TROLLS who mercilessly pick on others without any reason to do so.
As for the forum thread -- if others chose to dive into bashing others, then that was their choice and their actions. What Shades and I were discussing was about trolls, trolling and how they affect others.
I have many friends who are gay, bi and straight. I do not judge them, nor do they judge me.
I think you know me better than this.
And posting your comment in this particular hub is quite disrespectful to those who have fallen for all our freedom and to their families who they have left behind.
So if one if the above was gay would you remove him, my true friend was upset by that gay topic that amused you.
rpalulis - Thank you for sharing your time with these fallen heros and remembering them too. It saddens me that I have added one more soldier to this list this week.
Michael Buchman - A deep felt thank you to your son and those who have fallen next to him. You're son is courageous, as you are. I cannot imagine how difficult it is to watch a son/daughter leave for war. It is a thought that I carry in the back of my mind as my son discusses joing the air force in a few years. I pray for the safe return of all our heroes from around the world. Thank you Michael.
Doug Turner Jr. -- Thank you for taking the time to read this and to share in their memories.
Very touching, thank you for taking the time to honor these heroes. All who fight for the peace and safety to live freely deserved to be honored.
MPM -- I honor those who have fallen, and the sacrifice that they gave -- their very lives, as well as the sacrifice their loved ones gave by letting them go. This is not only for our Canadian soldiers, but for all who have fought for peace, safety, protection and freedom. Thank you MPM, for your and your son's sacrifice. Peace and light MPM. xox
Your article has blessed me and I'm sure many others.
My son returned home from Iraq last Summer alive and well...but with many memories of fallen friends and surrounding circumstance which will haunt him the rest of his life. Those who enjoy freedom should give thanks daily and continually seek to provide for others less fortunate.
I too remember the fallen of both Americans and Canadians as well as all other allies not mentioned in the media. Thanks
Alternative Prime -- I feel that it is they who have touch each and every one of us. What I have done is the very least I could do. Thank you for your support.
Thank for you taking time to honor the fallen heroes. The photograph shown in the beginning is striking and serves well to set the tone for the hub.
DeepThought -- These men and women are courageous. Thank you, and may their tours bring peace and safety to all they protect, and to themselves.
You Honor all their memory with this Hub. Thank you to Canada's Fallen who served their country. A Thank you also goes to all their family and friends left after the sacrifice made. The above World War I poem: "In Flander's Fields" decribes those lost in the fighting...only too well...when it states: "and now we lie, In Flanders fields". Very Powerful. Thank you for Remembering the Fallen-All Fallen. There is a saying for the sacrifice made by our Military: "ALL Gave Some-Some Gave ALL"...which can para-phrase a whole lot down into simple sentence. Sadly, We will miss ALL those who served so gallantly. Signed, a Step-Dad for an American Fallen in Iraq.
Well done & Very Touching Beth...
Nightwork4 -- I am proud to be Canadian too and even more proud of our soldiers on foreign soils and at home. Thanks Nightwork4.
Carrie450 -- It is the least that I can do -- to remember each and every brave soul who marched and served without a question, without a doubt and without fear. Thank you for remembering with me.
resspenser -- The awesome job was performed by these brave soldiers. Thank you for your support!
This is a beautiful and moving tribute to those lost and those who continue to fight this war, it is also a well written love letter of loyalty, love, and patriotism, for our Canadian brothers and sisters in arms and for all
soldiers who saved in the name of God and there contry world wide may God give them strenght..yes Beth this is a beautiful hub indeed truly beautiful in all it's entirety
you rock miss. this is the kind of hubs that make me proud to be a Canadian. thank you for showing the respect to our fallen that they deserve. i salute you and others like you.
Hmrjmr -- I know in my heart, that I must finish this... and I will. This is the least that I can do for all that has been done for me, my children, my country.
Thank you John for your kindness, your understanding, your love and most of all, for serving your country.
Love you too.
Beth xoxo
Dream On - Thank each and every one of these courageous soldiers. They have not only given their hearts but their very lives for us. And to know that there are others who are just as dedicated, passionate and loyal who will serve until their death to defend honor, freedom, and the innocent reminds me how fortunate I and my children are. God bless their souls and peace be with them.
What a wonderful hub honoring our Canadian soldiers Beth. Beautiful!
Awesome job.
Beth - you are a great friend and a true jewel of Canada, so you must know that I say this gently my sweet. You must finish this work, however hard it may be. The 152 have paid you for it and its a job that must be done. All of those who have and still are serving have paid you for it and it must be done.
All that any of us ask of our countrymen is to remember us,,,
From Henry V
"Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbors,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian':
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say, 'These wounds I had on Saint Crispians day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages,
What feats he did that day; then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words,
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispian Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered:
We few we, happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother: be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;"
So I ask you sweetie finish this project and remember each and every one who has paid you in advance..
Love Ya
John XXOO
Very touching .God bless all those who have ever served.
Beth100 Hub Author 7 weeks ago
Magdelene -- Thank you very much for both the backlink as well as coming to pay your respects to our fallen.