I've been following this message stream since the beginning, never thinking that I would be posting with this message. The soldier killed Friday was my nephew Micheal Bruce Freeman of Peterborough , Ont.
Mike and I last talked last summer before he left on this his 1st tour. Several things stick out in my memory from that coversation.
1. He had chosen to become a LAV driver since it allowed him to provide a key service to his section. He was proud to be a member of the team and wanted to play a key role.
2. He was aware of the risks involved, especially as a LAV driver.
3. He knew than that he would be rotating back to Canada the end of November for his mid-tour leave. He was pleased with this arrangement since it would allow a married member of his team to be home at Christmas. (He was single.)
4. Probably like most soldiers he was not serving for God, King, and Country. He was just proud of his job, his duty, and his team.
I talked to his dad this evening. Even though the grief was almost unbearable he expressed pride in his son. He did his duty, he was loyal to his team, and be brought honour to himself and his unit.
God bless Mike, all who have gone before him, and all who will follow.
|