Lest we forget, we are often reminded. Remember those who have sacrificed so much for our country they say. So I oblige. Like many Canadians, I dutifully don my poppy over my heart each November, take a moment to reflect at the sacrifices made and the lives lost, and shed a tear each time I watch the body of a solider proceed down the Highway of Heroes. Until recently however, the death of a soldier did not impact me on a personal level. All this changed yesterday.
I was extremely saddened to hear that the latest Canadian soldier killed in the line of duty was the 21 year old son of a former co-worker. Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick was grievously injured when an IED exploded and left him with massive trauma to his lower body. He died on the weekend in an Edmonton hospital with his family by his side. It was his first tour of duty.
Cpl. Fitzpatrick was in Afghanistan defending the right to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. I think it takes an amazing person to put themselves in harms way in order to defend these rights and freedoms, especially in a faraway land.
Cpl. Fitzpatrick's untimely death puts a face and a familiarity on war that I have never experienced before. When I look at pictures of Darren, I am reminded that he was not only a soldier but a son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend. Although I never met him, the outpouring of love and support from the community, speaks volumes about what an amazing person this young man was. I hardly slept a wink last night thinking about Darren and the ultimate sacrifice he made. I was also thinking of the hidden casualties - Darren's family and friends - and the unbearable pain that they must now endure.
From this day forward, I will no longer look at the photo of a fallen soldier in a one-dimensional manner. I will be reminded that they are someone's child, parent, sibling, friend. I will remember to be truly grateful to not only them but their families as well.
So tonight, when I am spending time with my family, I will reflect on the fact that Cpl. Fitzpatrick is no longer with us and that he, as others before him, died so that I can enjoy the privilege of spending time with my family in safety and peace.
Cpl. Darren Fitzpatrick
Soldier
Son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend
HERO
