I am sitting watching the amazing funeral of 24 year old Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in Hamilton today. He was a member of the Hamilton Argyll Southerland Highlanders of Canada-Princess Louise. There were so many people honouring this young man. Not only were the military here from Canada, but also some USA units. Police services and firemen were here. Police K9 units walked in the parade. Nathan adored his two dogs that were both rescues. He also adored his 5 year old son Marcus, who walked behind his fathers casket on a gun carriage. He wore a Glengarry (cap) just like his fathers and was carrying a small Canadian flag.
Hamilton has cradled his family with support and love. Nathan had joined the Cadets when he was 13 years old. The cadets also walked in this parade to honour one of their own. Nathan wanted to be in active service. Today he is being honoured as if he were. His senseless death at the War Memorial in Ottawa touched a Nation. It is so fitting that he be given a full military funeral. 4500 people were marching with Nathan on his last journey while thousands of citizens lined the streets along the route to the Cathedral.
Many dignitaries were here as well, including our Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Thomas Mulcare, leader of the opposition & Justin Trudeau, leader of the liberal party. A large Canadian flag was anchored on cranes over the street near Christ Church Cathedral.
The event on Wednesday, October 22nd shocked a nation when Cpl. Nathan Cirillo (unarmed) was shot & killed. Many bystanders with medical backgrounds came together to try to save his life. Moments after his shooting our beautiful Parliament buildings were invaded and many shots were fired. I am not mentioning the killer’s name, as today is Nathans day. Even the Queen of England sent a message to Canada and to the Cirillo family.
The events of this past week will forever be imprinted in our hearts and minds. We have come together to grieve for this young man and for a country that has in some ways lost some of our innocence. We stand together as a country to honour a brave soldier and to let his family know that his sacrifice has not been in vain. He will be remembered! Canada is united in grief from coast, to coast, to coast. Rest in peace Cpl. Nathan Cirillo.