Thread by @DeplorableNorth

Thread:
Recently some fine folks in Ottawa had a closed dedication for the Afghanistan War Memorial.
This ensured things were ‘dignified’ and had the ‘proper reverence’ as if letting the families of the fallen, veterans + the public attend would taint affairs.

The public has supported Canadian soldiers and veterans in a big way, one of which is the Highway of Heroes
Dignified
Solemn
And unifying.
When you’re over there and you see how your fallen are being honoured like this, you feel it.
But the public couldnt attend.

Mike Starker was our platoon medic in 08. When the platoon relieving us in a particularly bad place didnt have a medic, he volunteered to stay.
We had been fighting there that week and he knew it was bad.
He died a few days later in a large TIC
Losing him devastated us.

In that special way Canada can be a small place, my daughter teaches yoga with Mikes widow, Nicole, an amazing lady.
My girl has been in awe of Nicole since they met years ago.
Mike was a fantastic soldier and friend and husband.
But his wife, Nicole wasn’t invited to attend.

Sgt Vaughan Ingram was among the best soldiers I had the privilege of serving with. And fighting beside.
On Aug 3/06 we were badly outnumbered, and Iggy had taken control of his platoon when his leadership was wounded.
He was up front where you would expect him.

While holding his position the taliban launched a barrage of 50 RPGs at us. We fought up to Iggy but he been killed with 2 others. The rest wounded. He stayed on his feet, firing and covering his men till he died
But his kids and family weren’t invited to attend. I miss him

Scott Shipway was a standout leader in any crowd. He did everything to protect his men. When our Coy 2ic LAV hit an IED he kept the wounded alive. Including Ryan Elrick who lost both legs
Ship died in 08 when his own LAV hit an IED
google.ca/amp/s/www.theg…

Chris Reid was known for taking things to the limit in every situation. When the main gun of his LAV went down, he opened his drivers hatch and began shooting at the taliban with his pistol.
While lighting a cigarette.
An IED killed him
His family wasn’t invited.
You are missed.

Jon Snyder was a fantastic officer, respected by his peers and his men. Imo he could’ve gone on to the top.
I ran into him at a FOB a few days prior to his death. We joked about the good old days in 06.
A true leader.

There are more. So many more. If you have stories share them. Dont let the fallen be forgotten or hidden away.
They were normal Canadians doing extraordinary things in a brutal place.

Please remember them.