As Canada winds down its mission in Afghanistan, losses like that of Pte. Tyler William Todd seem that much more difficult. With virtually all Canadian military leaving in 2011, the sacrifice of those who fight today seems that much more difficult to bear.
What amazes those of us who know Canadian soldiers, is that they are still lining up to go into battle, to work with the PRT, to staff the scores of positions at KAF ... volunteers all. If asked about their commitment, now that Canada is leaving, most simply shrug and say that a job needs to be done, and they are on it.
For the civilian, and especially for the family member, the dedication and completely unstaunched desire to enter the fray may come as difficult concepts to grasp. But, what we often forget is that our soldiers are more than sons, fathers, daughters and mothers ... they are also warriors.
The warrior class is celebrated seldom in Canada, in fact, some shun it. Yet, Canadian history is one of warriors entering battle far from our shores and in almost every case, entering the fight on the behalf of others.
So it is that we honour Pte. Tyler William Todd ... a Canadian soldier; a Canadian warrior who gave his life for others.
WHO IS A HERO, BUT A MAN OR WOMAN WHO CONSIDERED THE ISSUES OF WAR AND POSSIBLE DEATH, AND WHO ENLISTED ANYWAY.
WHO IS A HERO, BUT A MAN OR WOMAN WHO CONSIDERED THE ISSUES OF WAR AND POSSIBLE DEATH, AND WHO ENLISTED ANYWAY.
