I was thinking of Sapper Steven Marshall today because in a few hours I’ll be welcoming my own son home from Afghanistan. Like most relatives, I’ll have the pleasure of seeing my child alive and well and I will be privileged to hear all the stories and experiences that he is sure to relate.
Yet, while I and so many others relish our reunions with our soldier family members, there will be those who will be in mourning. While most are joyous, a few will feel sorrow.
So it is today, that we extend our heartfelt gratitude first and foremost to the family of Sapper Steven Marshall, for his family will not be experiencing the joy of reunion. While most of us go on with our lives intact, they will be dealing with the loss of their soldier.
Sapper Steven Marshall left Canada not that long ago to participate in Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. We can only imagine the mix of emotions he felt; from excitement, to resolute sense of duty, to perhaps even misgiving. Yet, like all of our soldiers he entered the battle-space determined to do his very best. He didn’t plan on paying the ultimate price, but neither did he shy from it. In the end though, the mission that drew Sapper Steven Marshall, also took his life.
We promise to never forget and we promise to uphold the Torch that past generations of soldiers gave to Sapper Steven Marshall, and which he carried so dutifully. We will never forget that it is the sacrifice of soldiers, more than anything else, that keeps our country and our civilization free.
CTV
WHO IS A HERO, BUT A MAN OR WOMAN WHO CONSIDERED THE ISSUES OF WAR AND POSSIBLE DEATH, AND WHO ENLISTED ANYWAY.
