Canadian soldier dies in Edmonton hospital
CBC News
Cpl. Darren James Fitzpatrick died Saturday after being wounded during a patrol near Kandahar on March 6. (DND)
A Canadian soldier who was wounded in Afghanistan on March 6 died in an Edmonton hospital on Saturday.
Cpl. Darren James Fitzpatrick, 21, was wounded by an improvised explosive device during a patrol in Zharey, west of Kandahar city.
He was a member of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, based at CFB Edmonton. He was originally from Prince George, B.C.
In a release, Defence Minister Peter MacKay expressed his heartfelt condolences to Fitzpatrick's friends and family.
Our thoughts are very much with you during this difficult time, he said. 'Sacrifice will not be forgotten'
Prime Minister Stephen Harper also offered his condolences, saying Fitzpatrick's death is a stark reminder that the Canadian mission in Afghanistan is a difficult one.
He called Fitzpatrick a hero, saying his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Melissa Glover, who went to elementary and middle school with Fitzpatrick in B.C., said his death is hard to take.
I feel pretty upset about it. I found out [Sunday] night via Facebook, and even though it's been a while since I've spoken to him, it's hard when somebody so young, somebody you went to school with, has been taken away.
This was Fitzpatrick's first operational tour. He joined the Canadian Forces in 2006 and had been serving in Afghanistan since last October.
He was initially treated in Kandahar before being moved to Germany. He was taken to the University of Alberta Hospital on Friday KIA Afghanistan;
Prior to Fitzpatrick's death, 140 Canadian soldiers had died while serving with the Afghanistan mission since 2002. Four Canadian civilians have also been killed.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2010/03/22/edmonton-soldier-death-fitzpatrick.html#ixzz0iw61mfDp
To Pte Fitzpatricks family and loved ones I send deepest condolences, and pray that they find comfort within the Military Family. Darren was a fine young Canadian who paid the ultimate price in this war against the cowardly taliban. May he Rest in Peace on the right of God.
A message to all of our Brave troops in the Coalition as you go forward into Battle:
De inimico non loquaris sed cogites
Another Link from Rex in Alberta showing what another member of the Invisible Army does to Honour his Brother. Thank you for such a great story to add after this tragic Blog:http://www.ottawacitizen.com/honour+serve/2710160/story.html
you may have to copy and paste
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
