Families's Christmas Wishes from One Side of the World to the Other

Families of deployed soldiers were offered the opportunity to wish their sons and daughters a Merry Christmas. Last night, CKCO TV (CTV) in Kitchener opened their studios to the families and video taped Christmas messages from families to their loved ones. Families came from Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, and Peterborough. While waiting, families had a chance to speak to meet with one another as they truly had a commonality within their own family circle.

A special thank you to CKCO / CTV for giving families an avenue for connecting with the soldiers during this special holiday season. And a BIG thank you to the cameraman! He'll know what I mean ;)

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our Troops!"

CTV's Merry Christmas Message from Families

November 22-06

"From Canada to Kandahar - Merry Christmas to our Heroes!"

This evening, families from the Waterloo, Guelph and Hamilton Regions gathered at CTV as they were given the opportunity to send their sons a Merry Christmas Greeting! CTV is producing a special DVD which will be sent them in Afghanistan.

It was an evening of reflections, smiles, support and tears. We were joined by Cpl Ryan Pagnacco who alongside his fiancee gave the troops words of support and well wishes.

As well, Nicole Lampa will be featuring a segment on November 23rd on the greetings to our soldiers. Thank you CTV for giving us this opportunity to correspond with our sons and daughters at an important time of the year, a time when there will be an empty chair - a time many will reflect on past Christmases, yet looking forward to the future ones ahead. Our yellow ribbons await their return.

Behind the scenes:

"We're all Wrapped up in Support for our Heroes"

(this 32 foot banner has been signed (both sides) by the many people of the Waterloo Region who have taken time to write a message of support to our troops. Thank you Waterloo Region! This banner will be forwarded soon to our troops in Afghanistan.

Note to my son: I reflect on the past Christmases we cherished together, the snowy, stormy rides on the highway, the morning we awaken and "guess what's in the box" - I never could fool you with those noodles :) I will think of you as I look at the tree adorned with the yellow bows this year. Son, you're always in my heart and my love I send to you in my hugs in the wind. I love you always.