June 26, 2010

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the deaths of Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht and Private Andrew Miller

OTTAWA—It is with profound sadness and regret that my husband, Jean Daniel Lafond, and I have learned the tragic news that two more Canadian soldiers have died Saturday in Afghanistan. Master Corporal Kristal Giesebrecht from 1 Canadian Field Hospital, based in Petawawa, Ontario, and Private Andrew Miller from 2 Field Ambulance, based in Petawawa, Ontario, were killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Southern Kandahar.

Needless to say, the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues of Master Corporal Giesebrecht and Private Miller are in a state of shock and completely devastated by this news. We have not forgotten them and we offer them our deepest condolences. May they know that Canadians across the country grieve with them.

We recognize the valour, heroism, courage and undeniable generosity of heart of this man and woman. Motivated by a deep desire to do their part in the difficult struggle against the nameless violence, terror and injustice to which the Afghan people have been subjected for decades, they have sacrificed everything and given their all.

Our soldiers deployed to Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world alongside NATO forces and under UN authority are responding to the call of duty, faithful to Canada’s commitment to serve the cause of peace and stability throughout the world. They merit our respect, our admiration and our gratitude.

Michaëlle Jean

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Media information :

Julie Rocheleau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-7280
jrocheleau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca