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Thursday, April 26, 2007 1300
During a nearly three-hour ceremony held on the Simmonds Parade Square in Petawawa, ON, the contributions of Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 2 were honoured through a medals and awards parade.The event served as a proud reunion for soldiers of the second rotation, who returned home in February after being deployed last August and a gathering of families supporting one another, feeling the sadness of familes who lost their loved ones serving in Afghanistan.
It was 1255 hrs - the rain held up and the bleachers at Simmons Parade Square in CFB Petawawa were filled with family of soldiers of Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto , when Sargeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Patterson assumed the parade.
Loking ahead was a sea of soldiers dressed in their dress uniforms, boots highly polished awaiting the presentation of honours and medals. To my left, seated beneath a canopy were the families of the fallen soldiers, 14 familes, many of us wished we could reach out and hug and let them know we have been and are there by their sides, grieving with them.
As well, seated beneath the canopy were some of the soldiers, injured while serving courageously overseas.
Sortly before 1300, officers marched onto the square to take up their positions in front of approximately 980 troops from the various units.
A 1305 hrs, JTF Afghanistan Roto 2 Deputy Commander (Colonel Fred Lewis) assumed the parade and we prepared for the arrival of the "higher ups"
Uon each arrival, the troops stood at attention, while spectators rose for the General salutes. Bagpipes sounded in the distance.
Ariving individually were:
- Commander Land Force Western Area (LFWA) Brigadier-General Mark Skidmore
- Commander Joint Task Force Central/Land Force Central Area (JTFC/LFCA) Brigadier-General Guy Thimbault
- Commander Land Force Doctrine and Training System (LFDTS) Major-General Stuart Beare
- Commander Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) Lieutenant-General Michel Gauthier
- Chief of the Land Staff (CLS) Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie
- Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Rick Hillier
Inpection of Parade by Reviewing Officer - Gen. Rick Hillier
The 14 Petawawa-based soldiers who have died in the line of duty in Afghanistan were and are not forgotten..
Following the arrival of several high-ranking military officials, Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier took the microphone to make a special request prior to his inspection of the parade. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a family event here today," he began. "We've got family on parade, family in the stands, but some of the folks that we want to be most inclusive of are missing on that parade so I would like to break a little with tradition. I would like to ask one member of their families to come and join me in the inspection of our soldiers so we have the family on parade." Every soldier would be represnted. In addition, he asked to be joined by the youngest wounded soldier not on parade that could still get up and move. The gesture was met with appreciative applause from the crowd as Petawawa has been particularly hard hit in Afghanistan. Fourteen of the 20 Canadians killed in Afghanistan since 2003 were stationed at CFB Petawawa. Gen. Hillier performed his inspection, followed by the family members from those soldiers who did not return from Roto 2. The family members held hands, some smiling proudly while others fought back tears.
The 14 Petawawa-based soldiers who have died in the line of duty in Afghanistan were and are not forgotten..
Following the arrival of several high-ranking military officials, Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier took the microphone to make a special request prior to his inspection of the parade. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a family event here today," he began. "We've got family on parade, family in the stands, but some of the folks that we want to be most inclusive of are missing on that parade so I would like to break a little with tradition. I would like to ask one member of their families to come and join me in the inspection of our soldiers so we have the family on parade." Every soldier would be represnted. In addition, he asked to be joined by the youngest wounded soldier not on parade that could still get up and move. The gesture was met with appreciative applause from the crowd as Petawawa has been particularly hard hit in Afghanistan. Fourteen of the 20 Canadians killed in Afghanistan since 2003 were stationed at CFB Petawawa. Gen. Hillier performed his inspection, followed by the family members from those soldiers who did not return from Roto 2. The family members held hands, some smiling proudly while others fought back tears.
The widows and family members stood up and slowly followed Gen. Hillier in groups of two and three, holding hands and wiping the tears brimming in their eyes, to a standing ovation as they made their way to the troops.
Pictured above: Cpl Kelly Dove and husband Warrant Officer Richard Nolan
-- Every time Cpl Kelly Dove was on parade, she'd sneak a peek to find her husband, Warrant Officer Richard Nolan, among those in formation on the parade square.
Yesterday was no different. With 980 soldiers from Joint Task Force Afghanistan Rotation 2 gathered at CFB Petawawa on the parade square where she and Nolan had marched before, the young widow, honoured to represent her husband, couldn't help but look and for fleeting moments she could have sworn he was among them. Nolan was killed last September 3, 2006, in a firefight west of Kandahar City.
Dove said it was an honour, but difficult. "I saw a lot of soldiers I hadn't seen since I was in Afghanistan. They're trying not to look at me, I'm trying not to look at them because we know we'll both cry."
Hillier saved his most poignant praise for the soldiers that did not return. "The soldiers that we have lost are the most special of all. Those are the sweaters that we will hoist in the arena in our minds, in our regimental histories. Our commitment to those families is that their footprint in the sand will never be erased. What they have helped accomplish on this earth will always be used to good effect and in our memories and in our actions, they will always live. To those families, God bless you and thank you for your contribution and for your sacrifice for Canada," he said
Campaign Stars:
Following on the emotions of the inspection came the presentations of the Campaign Star medals to soldiers and also the Wound Stripe to those wounded during the rotation.
Most of the soldiers were presented with the General Campaign Star, a medal given to all who fight against an armed enemy. Some soldiers had already received their medals prior to the ceremony,while serving in Afghanistan.
The Campaign Star recognizes military service in a theatre of operations in the presence of an armed enemy, issu This award has been created as a means to recognize those who serve in operations in the presence of an armed enemy. issued with bars identifying specific operations.
Carrying a Tray of Medals Picture by: Military Mom
Awarded to Canadian Forces members and members of allied forces working with the Canadian Forces who served with the Canadian contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan for at least 30 days cumulative between 24 April 2003 and a termination date to be determined, in the theatre of operations which consisted of the political boundaries and airspace of AfghanistanDESCRIPTION:
The Campaign Star is a gold-coloured four-pointed star, 44 mm across, representing the cardinal points of a compass bearing on the obverse, built-up in order from the back: a wreath of maple leaves terminating at the top with the Royal Crown, two crossed swords, the blades and hilts forming four additional points to the star, an anchor and a flying eagle. The wreath represents honour, the maple leaves represent Canada, the anchor, crossed swords and eagle represent the three services of the Canadian Forces and the Crown represents the Queen of Canada and her role as the fount of all honours. On the reverse appear within a raised circle, from top to bottom: the Royal Cypher ensigned by the Royal Crown, a plain space for engraving, and three maple leaves on one stem.The ribbon passes through a ring attached to a small ball at the top point of the star.The ribbon is 32 mm wide with a central stripe of green (12 mm), on either side of which are stripes of white (2 mm) and red (8 mm). Red and white are the official colours of Canada as appointed by King George V in 1921 and green represents service.The bars to the Star are gold in colour with a raised edge and bear the name of the operation or the geographical area for which it is awarded.
The Star is engraved on the reverse with the service number, abbreviated rank, initials and surname of the recipient.
Wound Stripes & Wounded Soldiers:
Master Cpl. Jody Mitic lost his legs when he stepped on a landmine in southern Afghanistan in January.
Picture by: Military Mom
Sapper Mike McTeague was touring a village near Panjwaii on Sept. 18, 2006, when he was caught in the blast of a suicide bomber. A ball bearing ripped through the back of his neck, and shrapnel through his side.
Sapper Mike McTeague receives his Wound Stripes from Gen. Rick Hillier
Picture by: Military Mom
The two soldiers of the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment -- Master Cpl. Mitic on prosthetic legs, Sapper McTeague leaning on crutches -- stood among 980 Canadian soldiers honoured yesterday at a homecoming and medal ceremony at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa yesterday for their services in Afghanistan
93 wounded Soliders prepare to receive their Wound Stripes
Picture by: Military Mom
Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of the defence staff, was there to help give out 93 wound stripes to honour soldiers like Master Cpl. Mitic and Sapper McTeague, who were injured during combat.
Gen Rick Hillier pins ISAF Campaign Star on soldier.
Picture by: Military Mom
"For me being able to come here, walk and see the guys, I wasn't here to get my wound stripe or a medal; I was just here to participate with all my friends," said Master Cpl. Mitic, who was the last soldier wounded during the mission, just six weeks before the others returned home.
Sapper Mike McTeague
Sapper McTeague, 21, was in Afghanistan for two months before he was injured and sent home. Four Canadian soldiers were killed in the same attack.
"I was mostly worried about the other guys," said Sapper McTeague. "They're like family."
Master Cpl Mitic during rehab.
Master Cpl. Mitic said the medal ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifice soldiers make.
"One thing about anyone getting hurt or killed in action, you're upset for a minute, but as a team you come together that much harder and carry on that much more," he said.Hemi Mitic, father of Master Corp. Jody Mitic, compared the parade to a graduation. "It brings it all to a conclusion," he said. "There's recognition for those who went over, recognition for those who were lost, recognition for those who were hurt and an opportunity for everybody (who's getting posted) to say goodbye. It's emotional, but it's also necessary." His son agreed. "This is closure to the mission."
Other Awards:
Some other awards were handed out during the ceremony. 1st Battalion Commanding Officer Lt.-Col. Omer Lavoie received the highest honour, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional service to NATO, for his bravery and leadership during the mission.. The presentation was made by Gen. Hillier.
The Royal Canadian Regiment Cipher (VRI) was presented to E Battery, 2nd Regiment, The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery for the battery's distinguished service in support of the 1 RCR Battle Group in Afghanistan particularly during Operation Medusa. "E Battery will certainly always have an integral part of the history of the RCR, in particular the first battalion, and will always be welcome certainly within the lines of the battalion," said Lt.-Col. Lavoie, Commanding Officer 1 RCR.
FOLLOWING the PRESENTATIONS:
Following the presentations, Chief of Land Staff Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie shared a few words with the troops. "So when we look back, as you will start to do over the upcoming weeks and months, you will realize that you, each of you, as a team and as an individual, have made an enormous difference in this crucial conflict. You have helped the Afghan people to rebuild their shattered country and broken lives and you deserve the thanks of the army and the nation but above all you have helped to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven for those who wish to prey on the weak and the innocent, our allies or indeed Canadians," he said.
Circle of Soldiers:
Following the presentations, Chief of Land Staff Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie shared a few words with the troops. "So when we look back, as you will start to do over the upcoming weeks and months, you will realize that you, each of you, as a team and as an individual, have made an enormous difference in this crucial conflict. You have helped the Afghan people to rebuild their shattered country and broken lives and you deserve the thanks of the army and the nation but above all you have helped to ensure that Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven for those who wish to prey on the weak and the innocent, our allies or indeed Canadians," he said.
Before making his remarks, Gen. Hillier drew cheers when he asked the soldiers to walk forward and form a loose semi-circle around him so he could see their faces.
"You know something, as I was standing there watching you approach, sitting there earlier on in the chair watching you on parade and getting a chance to do the inspection, you know what I was thinking? I wish all 33 million Canadians could be here today and see you. To see what incredible men and women they have in uniform. To see what imagination, intelligence and fitness and what absolutely outstanding values you have - values that you articulate every day in uniform by your actions - loyalty to our country, integrity, dedication and devotion and above all courage. A national treasure is what I would describe you as to those Canadians and they need to be very, very proud of you," he said. He praised the offensive work done by the battle group saying they put a vicious and violent enemy on its back foot. "Twelve ministers in the government of Afghanistan have told me that they believe Operation Medusa and your work and your courage and your valour saved the government of Afghanistan and the progress in that country made over the last five and half years. That's no small feat," he stated. He reminded the soldiers of the story of Vimy Ridge and said their efforts may be recorded in similar fashion when the history of Afghanistan is written. "Those men that went up the hill would be very proud, very pleased to know that you have taken the torch after them," he added.
He praised the offensive work done by the battle group saying they put a vicious and violent enemy on its back foot. "Twelve ministers in the government of Afghanistan have told me that they believe Operation Medusa and your work and your courage and your valour saved the government of Afghanistan and the progress in that country made over the last five and half years. That's no small feat," he stated. Hillier said when Afghanistan's history is written, this group's effect will be on par with the Battle of Vimy Ridge 90 years ago.
He reminded the soldiers of the story of Vimy Ridge and said their efforts may be recorded in similar fashion when the history of Afghanistan is written. (and we know who is currently writing this! :)
"Those men that went up the hill would be very proud, very pleased to know that you have taken the torch after them," he added. "When the history of Afghanistan gets written, for the troops in this battle who represented this great country the effect may be nearly the same as what the effect was from that Easter Sunday so, so long ago," he said.He saved his most poignant praise for the soldiers that did not return. "The soldiers that we have lost are the most special of all. Those are the sweaters that we will hoist in the arena in our minds, in our regimental histories. Our commitment to those families is that their footprint in the sand will never be erased. What they have helped accomplish on this earth will always be used to good effect and in our memories and in our actions, they will always live. To those families, God bless you and thank you for your contribution and for your sacrifice for Canada," he said.
General Hillier's Speech:
General Rick Hillier
Picture by: Military Mom
"I wish all 33 million Canadians could be here today and see you, see what incredible men and women they have in uniform," said Gen. Hillier.Gen. Hillier likened the troops' bravery to that of the Canadian soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge 90 years ago.
He praised the troops for their "loyalty to our country, integrity, dedication and devotion and above all courage."
To the Families:
Addressing families, Hillier said:
“…We know that you are not volunteers and sometimes the load that you carry is much heavier indeed than what we bear. We cannot do our jobs without your support, without your courage, and without your inspiration and for that you have our absolutely deepest gratitude, our appreciation, and thank you very much for your support to all of the families who are here today. “
Then quoting a poem given to Hillier from Michelle of New Brunswick he read:
You're Not Alone
You rise in the morning and face the day
You are not alone
When you’re on patrol and in harm’s way
You are not alone
When the goals of the mission seem impossible to keep
You are not alone
When you lie still at night and can’t fall asleep
You are not alone
We are with you, supporting you, praying for you
We are standing by you in our hearts,
We are loyal to you in our words,
You are a reason I can proudly say
I am Canadian.
That day, the sun may have touched the faces of our soldiers – (sunburns with white beret stripes) but their courage, commitment and pride – our soldiers - touched our hearts.’m proud of our soldiers, and I’m proud to be a Military Mom.
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