Some Gave All: "...he represented the very best of Canada."

Pte. Alexandre Péloquin, 20, was killed Monday by an explosion in southern Afghanistan. He served with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment, based at CFB Valcartier near Quebec City. (DND)

A Canadian soldier was killed by an explosive device while on foot patrol Monday in southern Afghanistan, the military says.

Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, commander of Task Force Afghanistan, told reporters at Kandahar Airfield that the soldier has been identified as Pte. Alexandre Péloquin, 20. He is survived by his mother Monique.

Péloquin was serving with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment — known as the Van Doos — based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier near Quebec City. He is the 12th Valcartier soldier to die in the mission.

Péloquin — who joined the Forces on Oct. 26, 2007 — was from the Laurentides region north of Montreal but was living in Val Belair before he left in mid-April on his first mission to Afghanistan, said CFB Valcartier spokesman Alex Maille.

The incident occurred in the village of Nakhoney in the volatile Panjwaii district, about 15 kilometres southwest of the city of Kandahar.

"Pélo, as named by his friends, was a strong man, remarkably fit and very courageous," Vance told reporters.

"His family and friends should be very proud of him, and so should all Canadians, for he represented the very best of Canada." (my emphasis)

Vance said the battle group was involved in six days of "magnificent work" in the area removing material used for improvised explosive devices, which have been the scourge of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

"Pte. Péloquin was part of a successful operation, and he contributed to that success today," he said.

PM extends condolences

“It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the family and friends of Pte. Alexandre Péloquin," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement. (here)

And in the comments on another media outlet:

Joe (MCpl retired)
REMEMBER ME~

I was a true Canadian,
I wish you could see,
All I ask is,

Remember Me.

Read more on Pte Alexandre Peloquin here.

Always remembered and honoured. Rest in peace. Rest in peace.