Mr. Speaker, it is always a terrible blow to a community when we lose a young person. That blow is particularly keen when the individual in question is a respected, dedicated member of our Canadian armed forces.
One of the four soldiers lost today was from my hometown of Hamilton. I would like to express my deep sympathy to the families of all those lost and to let those injured in this terrible accident know that they are in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
As a Hamiltonian, I would like to extend my condolences to the friends and families of our lost soldiers and to tell them today that their loss is borne by our entire community. I am certain the good people of Hamilton will provide condolences and support through this difficult time. Nonetheless the names of the casualties specific to each Canadian community will not be released immediately out of respect for the families.
While nothing can soften the blow of such a tragedy, it underlines the courage and dedication of the members of our armed forces who choose to put themselves in harms way to serve a greater good.
It is my sincerest hope that some small comfort can be shared among the loved ones of those good soldiers to know they died in the service of the principles of human dignity, respect and justice.