Monday, April 09, 2007

DND Press Release April 9-07


Press Release
April 9, 2007

Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Deaths of Six Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan

OTTAWA, ONTARIO- The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the deaths of six Canadian soldiers:"It is with the utmost sorrow that I extend my condolences, and those of all Canadians, to the families and friends of Sergeant Donald Lucas, Corporal Brent D. Poland, Corporal Christopher Paul Stannix, Corporal Aaron E. Williams, Private David Robert Greenslade, and Private Kevin Vincent Kennedy.Those who fell will be deeply missed by the Canadian Forces family. The dedication and bravery of these soldiers will be forever remembered. I also extend my wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.Our troops have a clear mission - to build security and stability in Afghanistan. And it is because our soldiers are succeeding in this mission that they came under attack.It is in Canada's national interest that the people of Afghanistan regain control of their own destiny - to ensure their country never again becomes a launching pad for global terrorism. There can be no doubt that the desperate terrorists who carried out yesterday's attack want to return a murderous regime to power.On both sides of the Atlantic yesterday, Canadians paid their respects for the soldiers who fought in the Great War. These six soldiers who gave their lives carry on the valiant tradition of putting country before self."

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