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April 11, 2010
Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Private Tyler William Todd
OTTAWA—It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of another member of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, Private Tyler William Todd of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta.
He was killed when an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists went off while he was on patrol in the Dand district, approximately eight kilometres south-west of Kandahar.
This new tragedy occurred just days after a national commemorative ceremony to mark "The End of an Era," during which thousands of Canadians honoured the brave contribution veterans made during the First World War. At this ceremony, I emphasized the importance of perpetuating the heritage left by the men and women who fought for greater justice, freedom and humanity, because—today, as in the past—our soldiers in Afghanistan are fighting the same battle, in the name of the same values, with the same selflessness and extraordinary determination.
In the face of countless dangers, Private Tyler William Todd’s brothers and sisters in arms are fully committed to completing their difficult mission with unwavering resolve.
Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones and colleagues of the courageous and generous Private Tyler William Todd, and we would like to offer them our most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. His noble sacrifice will remain forever etched in our memory.
Michaëlle Jean
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Media information:
Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
jrocheleau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca