President Obama appeared at Dover Air Force base last night as the Americans killed in Afghanistan this week were returned home. He took part in what the Americans call a “dignified transfer” which took place around 4am. He also met with the familes of the fallen heroes. So how is that a lession from Canada?
President Obama is the American forces Commander-in-Chief, almost all of our fallen have been met by the forces Commander-in-Chief, our Governor General. Most often also in attendance is the Chief of Defense Staff, the Minister of Defense and at times, the Prime Minister. Bush never appeared for the return of those fallen heroes of the wars he started.
Those young men and women were okay to go and serve their country and fight wars that were not of their making but for some reason, Bush didn’t feel any need to make sure they were returned as the heroes they were. Maybe now, Obama will consider making the honouring of those soldiers a bit more public and stop fearing any political overtones from giving them the honours they deserve.
Canada does things a bit differently when our fallen soldiers are returned home. Stephen Harper’s government tried at one point to block the repatriation of our fallen from public view and was met with resistance. Only the family of the fallen can block that view now. Our fallen are returned during the day, usually the third day after their death.(The flag at our local Legion branch remains at half mast for ten days, the appropriate time for public mourning of a hero.)
It is a ceremony which takes place on the tarmac, not a celebration. The soldiers and honour guards are in dress uniform. The coffins are borne solemnly to the waiting hearse and then driven along what is known as the Highway of Heroes to Toronto. Canadians of all walks of life turn out on the streets and the bridges over Canada’s busiest highway to honour their fallen heroes. They are there in the hundreds, regardless of the weather.
The article about President Obama commented that he was very quiet on the return trip to the White House, I can understand that. I would like to think that any national leader, whether it be the American President or Canadian Prime Minister would think long and hard before sending troops into harms way. In Obama’s case, he has to weigh the cost of not only sending in more troops as his commanders have requested but the cost of not sending them in. A difficult position to be in.
While the absolute numbers of soldiers lost in Afghanistan between the Americans and the Canadians vary widely (900 Americans, 132 Canadians) the rate of deaths in relation to the number of troops in theatre shows Canada has sustained a much higher rate than the Americans (.013 for the Americans, .044 Canadians). I have to admit, my resolve to absolutely support the troops and their mission has been shaken on more than one occasion at the sight of multiple hearses followed by limos full of grieving family. Shaken but not stirred, as long as the troops remain committed to the cause they are fighting, I can commit to supporting them.
There are none braver than the fighting men and women of both countries. They deserve public honour and support.
As I write this, another Canadian is on his way home. On Saturday I expect to be among those on the bridges for his arrival home.
notice: The content of this post contains my opinions and my right to express them. I will respect your right to express your opinion in the comments as long as you’re not abusive and you respect my right to my opinion.
