June 21, 2010 

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Sergeant James Patrick MacNeil 

OTTAWA—It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Sergeant James Patrick Macneil of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ontario. Sergeant MacNeil was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on foot patrol, some 20 kilometres southwest of Kandahar, in the Panjwa’i district. 

Driven day after day by their sense of duty, the members of the Canadian Forces answer their country’s call in response to Afghan security commitments undertaken by NATO-member countries, under the auspices of the United Nations. Sergeant MacNeil was a dedicated participant in this most complex and perilous mission. We shall forever be indebted to him for the tremendous perseverance, courage, heroism and generosity that he exhibited. We shall not forget him. 

I know that Canadians are as one in their desire to offer comfort and support to Sergeant MacNeil’s family, friends and brothers-in-arms. We join them in extending our deepest sympathies and condolences.  

Michaëlle Jean

-30-

Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca