October 28, 2014 

Message from the Governor General 
as Corporal Cirillo is Laid to Rest 

YPRES—On this day when we lay Corporal Nathan Cirillo to rest, my wife Sharon and I join with all Canadians in mourning and in gratitude for those who stand guard for our nation. 

Each day in Canada, we ask members of our security forces to put themselves at risk in defence of our laws, our freedoms and our very lives. As governor general and commander-in-chief, I am always humbled by those who answer the call to serve. And nowhere was this more evident than during the despicable attacks of last week. Two of our own have made the ultimate sacrifice, and we celebrate their life and mourn their death. To the members of our military and our police and security services, and to all those who acted with such courage and professionalism over the past week, I offer my deepest thanks.  

I am writing this message from Belgium, where later today I will place a wreath and deliver remarks at the Menin Gate in Ypres, where so many soldiers of the First World War were killed and wounded. As I have done at memorials throughout my trip to Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland, I speak in memory of the Canadians who served here and of all who have died in war and violence. And now, we also hold in our thoughts and our prayers Warrant Officer Vincent and Corporal Cirillo. I have spoken with both of their families and can only imagine their sadness and grief, but I am heartened by their courage and resolve to carry on. 

All of Canada stands together at this difficult time. We will stand together once again during Remembrance Day, and honour the memory of our fallen soldiers by reaffirming our commitment to building the free and democratic society for which they died.

David Johnston 

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Media information:

Marie-Eve Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca