Canada's Heroes: Some Gave All

Clockwise from top left: Corporal Tyler Crooks, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, Master Corporal Scott Francis Vernelli and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes

Four Canadian soldiers killed near Kandahar

Eight others wounded in two separate blasts during massive operation

GLORIA GALLOWAY
Globe and Mail update

March 20, 2009 at 5:10 PM EDT

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN — Two separate explosions claimed the lives of four Canadian soldiers Friday as they took part in a massive military operation aimed at disrupting the Taliban before the start of what is predicted to be a particularly deadly fighting season.

Eight others were wounded in the attacks.

The operation, called Jaley, involved more than 2,000 soldiers – both Canadian and American – and was described as being the largest of its kind conducted by Canada since the Korean War.

The deaths and injuries Friday marked one of the most devastating single-day losses for the Canadian forces since they took over the NATO mission in this province.

“These wonderful Canadian men were, at the moment of their deaths, engaged directly in the continuing work to keep the insurgency sufficiently at bay to ensure safety for the population, and to preserve our ability to meet the objectives of the Afghan people, the international community and the government of Canada,” said Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance, the Commander of Joint Task Force Afghanistan and Commander of Task Force Kandahar...

There are many stories about these young Canadian heroes all over the internet, as there will be in the coming days. I found this one here on the Globe and Mail, and here on the CBC. Please start there, and spend some time getting to know them, and marvelling at their characters. Canada is truly blessed that such men lived.

My heart goes out to their families, and all who love them.

Soar with the angels, Heroes.