Message from Governor General

Jun 20, 2007 21:31 ET

Message from her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean,

Governor General of Canada, on the Death of Three Canadian Soldiers

"While in Yukon on our official visit, my husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were grieved to learn of the deaths of three Canadian soldiers, when their vehicle struck an explosive device near Kandahar City, Afghanistan.The loss of Sergeant Christos Karigiannis, Corporal Stephen Frederick Bouzane and Private Joel Vincent Wiebe deeply saddens us. All three were members of the Third Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. They served this country with honour and distinction. We owe them our greatest respect.This tragic accident reminds us of the danger our Canadian Forces face every day in Afghanistan. They nonetheless remain committed to bringing peace and security to this country devastated by decades of chaos.All Canadians join me in offering sincerest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of these courageous men."

Michaelle Jean