The dreaded arrival on the doorstep, of a military group,brought the saddest of news to a young military wife. This week before Mothers day a young Mother and two children have lost the man in their lives. Parents have lost a Son.
May God make them strong during this sad, heart wrenching time. May they be given strength by the members of their military family. Another fine young Canadian who has paid the ultimate price for others freedoms.
The RCN will be marching with a sadness mixed with joy in Halifax. They have the freedom of the city as part of the Naval 100th Anniversary Celebrations. May the Lord protect them from harm as they return to duties after the parade. Be proud of our Naval traditions in Canada. Ready Aye Ready
Canadian sailor killed by IED in Afghanistan Father of two had just disabled another bomb Last Updated: Tuesday, May 4, 2010 | 5:18 AM ET Comments13Recommend13 CBC News
Petty Officer 2nd Class Douglas Craig Blake, 37, of Simcoe, Ont., was killed by a roadside bomb Monday near Kandahar city. (DND)
A Canadian sailor in Afghanistan was killed Monday by an improvised explosive device near Kandahar city, military officials say.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Douglas Craig Blake, 37, was killed Monday afternoon while working in the Panjwai district, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the city.
Brig-Gen. Dan Menard, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said the Simcoe, Ont., native was returning to camp after successfully disposing of another IED when the blast went off.
Blake was serving with the Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic, based in Halifax.
A navy clearance diver, Craig was most comfortable working under water, yet he effortlessly adapted to the rigours of land operations, Menard said in a statement.
Incredibly fit, with a backbone of steel, Craig put 100 per cent into everything he did.
Blake, married with two children, was a hockey coach and triathlete, Menard said.
His death brings to 143 the number of Canadian soldiers who have died in the Afghan mission since it began in 2002.
On behalf of all soldiers, airmen, airwomen, sailors and special operators of Joint Task Force Afghanistan, I offer my sincere condolences to his friends and family, Menard said.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/05/04/canadian-soldier-killed.html#ixzz0mx5LmzM6
Sadly Canada's Highway of Heroes , will soon see another convoy of sadness.
HMCS Fredericton returns to Halifax this morning as the Canadian navy celebrates its centenary.
The warship took part in a six-month mission to combat piracy and terrorism in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.
The ship is expected to arrive at about 8:30 a.m. AT, ahead of a parade in Halifax and one later in Victoria.
About 1,000 sailors will march from the naval dockyard to Halifax City Hall. Rear Admiral Paul Maddison will later swear in 19 recruits aboard HMCS Toronto.
May 4 marks 100 years since royal assent was granted for the establishment of the Department of Naval Service. Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/05/04/ns-navy-ship-parade.html#ixzz0mxa76iFf
Please Remember PO Blake's family in your prayers and thoughts.
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Nil Sine Labore
Robby
