Veterans pay tribute to fallen soldier

On Friday, veterans stopped by the cenotaph in Prince Albert to pay respect to fallen soldier Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who died in Ottawa on Wednesday.   

Retired Cpl. Dion Michelle wanted to pay tribute to Cirillo by saluting in his honour.

“My heart goes out to the family. It was a very tragic way to die,” he said.

Michelle served in Afghanistan and described the relationship between soldiers as a brotherhood, a bond stronger than friendship.

“When it comes to brotherhood, it’s greater than who you are because you got to be able to put the cause first and that person next to you, his life is in your hands and vice versa and my life is the least of my own worries and that’s how it is,” he said.

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Although Michelle understands and is empathetic towards the tragedy in Ottawa, he sheds light on the reality of the situation.

“I chose to be a soldier and I already accepted the fact that soldiers die. Soldiers fight, soldiers die. That’s one of the things that a lot of the general public and civilians amongst Canada don’t really understand,” he said.

Michelle said soldiers and veterans may have been taken for granted lately but attention is drawn back to them after a situation like this happens. He said that is a good thing but unfortunate circumstances led to Cirillo being killed, as he was not given a chance to fight back. 

“That attack on Cirillo was uncalled for, especially shooting him in the back, no solider wants to get shot in the back,” he said.

Veteran Wayne Remy was also at the cenotaph to pay tribute to Cirillo.

He said the events in Ottawa have affected him.

“It brings tears to my eyes,” he said. “It hurts me lots to see dead soldiers, any of them, any of them hurt even.”

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