84 Replies to “Heroes”

  4. I salute the men and women that line the overpass on the Hero’s highway. Every time I see that it makes my heart swell with pride. No soldier will make that trip with out being acknowledged.
    As for Layton, lets buy him a one way plane ticket and he can spend the rest of his life negotiating with the Taliban.

  6. I’m not a military man, so all I can say is Godspeed to the guys and girls. I think their mission is noble and I support them fully.

  8. Great post Kate.
    All Pullout advocates, white flag waving MP pressure from Toronto and Quebec Bloch, Brampton, Mississuaga- Erindale.
    Talinban Jack Layton the ND leader, Gilles Duceppe the Bloch leader , Citoyen Dion the Lib leader all advocating abandoning the Afghani people to the Taliban in Afghanistan
    Taliban enablers right here in Canada and in our parliament!
    Taliban’s best Canadian buddies!!

  10. Bit OT,but related,on CJOB with Richard Cloutier yesterday,there was some peacenik fool on protesting the Yellow Ribbon signing campaign being brought into the schools.Can’t recall the name of group,but it was the usual conspiracy theory stuff(George Bush/oil etc)the call-in responses were not too favorable to his position,and a few former,and current members of the Military called in to blast him.Quite emotional and heated,but the fool wouldn’t listen,just kept trying to cut off and talk over the callers.I found it disgusting and arrogant.He referred to the program of the Ribbon signing as “brainwashing” of school kids,and an attempt to enlist in the Forces.
    I am definately NOT a fan of Doer,and our NDP gov’t here in Manitoba,but I do give him credit for standing behind this program,and supporting the troops.A contrast indeed to that other NDP fool Layton.

  11. Speaking as an ex-military type, I can only say wow.
    The whole thing gave me goosebumps, and almost brought a tear to my eye(can’t be crying now, big tough ex-soldier and all).
    It is nice to see the effort being appreciated by some.

  12. These men and women have given their all in advocating and defending our way of life. When you retreat from your first line of defence then you better be prepared to fight on a street or neighbourhood near you, in Canada. This is what the Lieberals and Dippers do not understand. Think about that the next time we are called to an election.

  13. By an American author but very fitting.
    The Tyrants
    The tyrants are loose again;
    They hate all but their own.
    They give their lives to kill us,
    To scatter our blood and bone.
    They care not whom they murder,
    Whether woman, man or child;
    Their minds are full of fury;
    Their sickness has gone wild.
    To rule the world with violence
    Is their one and only goal;
    Terror is their method;
    They want complete control.
    We’ve seen it all before,
    And we could not let it be;
    We gave our lives for freedom,
    For the world, and for you and me.
    We fight all forms of oppression,
    Helping victims far and near,
    To keep the world from chaos,
    To protect what we hold dear.
    America’s the only country
    That gives with its whole heart,
    And asks so very little;
    We always do our part.
    So let’s unite again
    To subdue our newest foe,
    Whatever we must do,
    Wherever we must go.
    Let’s show the world once more
    That America is blessed
    With people who are heroes,
    Who meet each and every test.
    By Joanna Fuchs

  14. I know I’m probably going to be severly castigated for this but personally I really don’t like all the hype. I am NOT suggesting that these brave souls should not be honoured, but I’m finding it to be bordering on the absurd. Many years ago a Canadian cousin of mine was killed while serving in the US Marines. His body was returned home with a Marine contingent accompanying it at all times and a full military funeral was provided by them. It was extremely dignified and very moving. The family wished to not make it a spectacle and their wishes were respected. If one of my loved ones were to be killed while in the Military, I ould want to have a more personal recognition of their deeds and not have their death used to perhaps make a political statement.
    My personal opinion only.

  15. Ordinarily, I would agree with you Hector.
    But in today’s current media climate (demonstrated at the second link), in which members of the journalistic class openly, and not so openly, campaign for our defeat under the guise of “informing” us, these gestures are the only way the average Canadian can push back.

  16. Hector, you make a good point.
    There is no doubt politics was being played on all sides. The Conservatives didn’t want to make a big show of the fallen returning in flag draped coffins, the Liberals and Dippers did. It’s not hard to figure why really.
    In a sinister way they could be accused of using the fallen to bolster their own political ideology.
    We know those who preach human rights the loudest are on the Left, the same people who do not wish to fight for them.

  17. The point is, hector, it isn’t official. It’s ordinary people speaking up in gratitude. Nothing political about it. In that sense, it makes it private and direct, because there’s no govt involved and no media involved.

  18. Excellent post, for several reasons. Provides some balance to what is seldom covered in the Mop and Pail and CBC etc.
    Dion is so underhanded it*s pathetic. First he wailed about a pull-out. Now that he understands the need to hold and fortify Afghanistan, so he spends more time splitting a number of confusing hairs while bleating the similar theme of withdrawl and peace keeping.
    The Liberals are banking on the loyalty of the uninformed and emotional Canadian voter.
    Power Politics first, regardless of the great security risks to freedom and our non-Sharia way of life.
    Recent ignorant Ivory tower views on including *some* Sharia law in British daily life by the elite such as the Archbishop of Canterbury should be an alarm call for us all. There are idiots at the top!
    Where are the Winston Churchills when you need them? Oh yeah, Harper could be one. = TG

  19. Hector, a few questions back to you.
    1. What is so “absurd” about the fact that SOME people wish to pay their respects to fellow citizens, when those fellow citizens make the ultimate sacrifice for their nation?
    2. Could you provide me with some proof that this was an orchestrated political event?
    Thanks
    Canadian Armed Forces 77-85

  20. If there is any political statement being made it is that average Canadians appreciate and honour the sacrifice made by our fallen soldiers. It’s simply the people’s way of saying thank you. Very moving pictures.

  22. Thanks for your comments. I am pleasantly surprised, however on second thought shouldn’t be because most of the posters here respect others opinions. Liz J, Kate and ET’s posts make a lot of sense. I didn’t consider those points.

  23. A long time ago the british had to haul their dead out of afghanistan.
    Then the russians.
    Now us.
    Twenty years from now when we retreat having accomplished nothing,will any of you admit the mistake that was made?

  24. It’s very moving, and not at all absurd or over the top to me.
    What’s absurd to me it LSM giving more air time to terrorist supporters at protests, where a broken window and incursions into police barriers lines are the ‘it bleeds-it leads’ norms.
    But a non-political rally showing emotional and heartfelt support of fellow Canadians, fallen in the line of duty, well that’s just not good enough to be covered by our esteemed activists, er, journalists.

  25. A long time ago, my grandfather fought with many that died, they didn’t pull out.
    And Hitler didn’t win.

  26. There is a lot of difference in the occupation by the russians of Afganistan, and the helping rebuild infrastructure and helping little girls and women have a life that our western soldiers are engaged in Morningstar. This is a voluntary army morningstar, there are probably more soldiers killed in paractice manouvers and traffic accidents here at home, but alas the msm can’t have a big field day for those deaths. Thank you soldiers for what you do, and deepest respect for your mission and those lost.

  27. TG, re where is a Winston when you need one. Didn’t you read the poll where the majority of British students think he was a fictional character.

  29. TG; The thing about Winnie was that he was a superlative orator, able to form public opinion through his speeches. PM Harper? Not so much…
    (Just an observation, not a criticism)

  31. bartinsky makes a good point concerning peace time casualties. For example, we ran out of body bags(we had 30) during a massive exercise that I participated in while on exchange duty with the British Army.
    And one other thing. We would have had at least 35 less casualties in Afghanistan if our troops would have had the benefit of some, or any heli-lift capabilities. Once again, thx cretin, you arsehole!

  32. Morningstar, if we withdraw from Afghanistan now, and future terror attacks are planned and executed from there, like 9/11, will you admit a mistake has been made?
    Hypothetical scenarios aside, and yes a bit OT for this thread, it’s good to see we are having reasonably rational discussion about pros and cons of the Afghan mission. That’s a good thing – regardless of the final decision regarding our deployment, if we had a good debate, then that in itself is a victory.

  33. New Poll up at CTV.CA
    RE: what will cause an election, Afhganistan, Budget,Crime Bill
    so far Afhgan leading
    and of course this is not a scientific poll

  34. [quote]Thanks for your comments. I am pleasantly surprised, however on second thought shouldn’t be because most of the posters here respect others opinions. Liz J, Kate and ET’s posts make a lot of sense. I didn’t consider those points.[/quote]
    Hector,
    You are a wise man! Those that blindly follow dogma seldom see the 900 lb gorilla in the tent.
    Gen Hillier (sp) does, he would do well in America, but I don’t think Canada has reached that level of maturity in the social/political arena. (I hope he is not related to a PAUL)
    Morningstar,
    You will someday see the error in your argument, but for now you are too busy pissing up a rope.

  35. Hector, my son is shipping out to Kandahar for his third tour next Tuesday, and I am again extremely anxious, and will be until he returns safe.
    Were I to be in the funeral cortege bearing my son’s body from Trenton, you can rest assured that I would be extremely grateful to have even a few real Canadians stand in the rain to show their respect for one who made the ultimate sacrifice.
    Our soldiers are in Afghanistan to fight terrorism, the same idealogy which would like to terminate your freedoms. They are not killers & abusers of human rights (the slant adopted by the liberal, bloq & NDP MPs in the House), but young men and women who want the same freedom for the Afghan people as was hard won for them, by their forefathers in other necessary wars.
    As for portraying people paying respect to fallen soldiers as a partisan political statement, you leave me totally at a loss for words.

  36. Cutting and running from Afghan due to casualties, when are the people of Toronto going to cut and run. More have been shot and killed there in the last 5 years.
    They continue to vote liberal and for ndp councils, not change. So, why are they so against the government not wanting change. We are not in favor of being labelled cut and run, defeatists,
    getting a world wide reputation of quitters and a country that can’t be trusted.
    Voting for dion and layton will achieve this.

  37. Why the comparisons with an Imperial English army, 140+ years ago, and an an ill trained conscript Russian army of the 70′ and 80’s?
    We can bring more firepower to bear in a battlegroup, than all the British forces combined in Afghanistan, in that age..we defeat the enemy in the field at every turn, something the British did often, btw, and the Russians not so well, but did on many days..
    Where we will be defeated is on the homefront, from appeasers and fifth columnists, with the complicit help of the MSM and traitorous politicians.
    When will we hear their apologies for helping to defeat Canada in the field of public opinion?

  39. Great photo essay.
    It is truly inpiring to see this kind of highly visible respect, patriotism, and support.
    Kudos to all of the Canadians who get out there and show their respect in this way.

  40. It brought real tears to my eyes thinking how some brave Canadian gave up a life so some import and his nine wives (including the six year old) can live here on welfare and advocate Sharia law. Yes……yes we should fight, but for our way of life not their’s.

  42. That was sublime.
    Bless that fallen soldier and his family and the spirit of those who came out to honour them.
    Thank you for that link,Kate.It’s one of your best ever.

  43. “A long time ago the british had to haul their dead out of afghanistan.
    “Then the russians.
    morningstar – you poor little history challenged peabrain, the Russians were defeated in Afghanistan by an American trained, funded and armed mujahedeen. That’s a very important detail and a big reason why the Russians hauled out their dead. The Taliban hauled out their dead too because the US killed them in large numbers. Whatever lame point you are trying to make it just isn’t working out well for you.
    The Afghanis by and large aren’t at war with the US and Canada. It’s AQ and Taliban terrorists running across the Pakistan border causing the problems.

  44. For those who want to know where/how this started: When our first four casualties (from that friendly fire bombing) came home the police officers in Northumberland County decided to have a presence on every bridge from Trenton to Clarington paying a final salute to the fallen. Some of us civilian types thought it would also be a way to show our respects for the troops and their families. No orchestrated campaign took place, just people gathering together to pay their respects. It’s slowly grown to what you see today: a mixture of ages, sexes, faiths and political views. It’s a small gesture on our part but it’s one that has caught on. I’ve been one one of my local bridges in some pretty miserable weather but it’s not the wind bringing a tear to my eyes.
    Regards
    ND

  45. Thank you for your very worthwhile efforts and in posting this information Nursedude.
    Much appreciated.

  47. …why get on G&M’s case? It’s business. Sex and death sell copies, and they have a business to run.
    Unfortunately it is also controlled by supply and demand. If so many people wouldn’t read (and quote) from it maybe they’ll change their ways when the bottom line starts shrinking.
    It’s like when people quote the CBC. Who listens to that empty brass sound anyway?
    Don’t complain here, get on your MP’s case.
    Then again if Kate manages to shut down the CBC via SDA, I’ll buy her a rose…

  48. Kingstonlad, Alienated and Others.
    I in no way shape or form suggested that this display of respect was in any way offensive to me. On the contrary, I find the spontaneous reaction of ordinary Canadian citizens to be most welcome and heart-warming.
    I guess I was attempting to articulate ( and not very well, it appears ) that, if it was one of my loved ones, I would rather have had their return kept more low-key out of respect for the family.
    I do not doubt for one minute the sincerity of those that publically showed their support by attending this, however I feel that the media is using it to their their own ends when they continually supply us with photos and videos of the final return of a loved one.
    I apologize if any offense was taken by my comments, however the death of a family member is a deeply personal experience.I know that in spades.
    I fear (perhaps wrongly) that this display of grief is being used to further political agendas by those that are too cruel to respect the dead.
    And Morningstar, permit me to say with all due respect, you are an asshole.

  49. I find it disgusting that the media complained that they were not allowed inside the gates at CFB Trenton (not so long ago), so they were missing “the story.”
    The number of our fallen increases, but the only “interesting” coverage is the repat ceremony. There hasn’t been media getting the man on the street perspective about why these average Canadians come out to pay their respects. I haven’t seen it on CBC (to be fair I don’t watch CBC), CTV or any other newcasts.
    I recently heard a very senior officer speak about how the families perceived this route lining. He indicated that families who took the trip indicated tremendous pride and relief that the average Canadian stood with them in their time of grief.
    I think the pictures are great. Thank you for posting them. They painted the picture better than I could imagine.

  50. Morningstar, the difference is the US military, the greatest and most powerful fighting force the world has ever known is involved in Afghanistan.
    If anyone and I mean ANYONE came face to face with even just one arm, lets say the Marines, they would be tossed down the toilet of history in a nano-second, flushed away like a stinking little turd, such as you.
    Instead, since they, along with you, are cowards, they chose to bring nations down by infiltrating their education system and turning things on their head so that mental wimps and wussies like you “feel their pain” and glorify “losers” and advocate for the enemy, not realizing that in the process, they are merely useful idiots for an evil cause.
    But you are too brain dead to think independently to come to such a conclusion. You let the MSM do the thinking for you.

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