Monday, March 18, 2024

Remembering Nathan Cirillo

First Published:

 

Candles — flowers and a Canadian flag sit outside the east Hamilton home that Corporal Nathan Cirillo grew up in. The memorial which has been growing all day — also features a picture of Cirillo — a teddy bear — and several bouquets of flowers.

It’s been said that in times of tragedy, you find out who your friends are — and if that is true, it seems that Nathan Cirillo, has an entire city, filled with them.

The tragic shooting death of the young soldier on Parliament Hill Wednesday, has had a powerful impact on his hometown of Hamilton — where those who knew him, and those who did not — have joined together to mourn the loss.

There is no way to explain the inexplicable. The only way to bridge the chasm between hopes that are dashed, and harsh reality — is compassion. A heartfelt gesture. A meaningful symbol of solidarity. At the family home of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, friend and stranger alike, did what they could to reach out in a time of sorrow

Allison Oleskiw: “Awful. It’s awful. you never ever expect to turn on the news and see someone’s face that you know. Especially for someone to die so tragically, you never expect it.”

Allison Oleskiw knew Nathan Cirillo casually, in high school. Her friend Brittany Janosi, more closely: “He was just such a caring guy. He rescued animals and he loved his son so much. And I just remember seeing his Facebook posts all the time, about how happy he was and he loved his job so much and he really loved putting on his uniform.”

Gisella Pacifici and her grade two class from Viscount Montgomery didn’t know Nathan, at all: “We talked about it on announcements today.”

The kids talked about it too. They decided they wanted to make condolence cards and deliver them, rather than go to gym class.

Gisella Pacifici: “We talked about a loss of life, and how a great person was to try and protect our country.”

Ideas with complex emotions — difficult to understand for young, and those of any age. And when there are no words to explain — sometimes there are symbols — that say it best.

Allison Oleskiw, high school friend: “I always have this poppy in my car. It’s something I always carry around with me, it’s kept me safe. And, for him being a soldier, and me knowing him personally — it’s an honour.”

The growing memorial outside the armoury on James Street is an amazing grassroots movement — that is showing no signs of slowing down.

In fact earlier today, officials had to clear a path in front of the driveway into the armoury because so many bouquets and tributes have been left behind that vehicles couldn’t squeeze by. Since we learned that Corporal Cirillo was killed in the attack at the war memorial — for local residents who can’t get to Ottawa — this is the best place to leave something behind as a show of support for the regiment — and his family.

Premier Wynne also visited the memorial Thursday afternoon. She met with a member of the Argylls and walked out of the armoury with him — placing flowers at the memorial — and then wrote a message — and signed one of the Canadian flags that’s been left there. She then stood in silence for a moment — taking in all the condolences that have been left in front of the armoury. It’s clear the premier was moved by it.

Just before her visit to the armoury, the Premier stopped by Hamilton City Hall. She walked into the main lobby with Mayor Bob Bratina and then sat down to sign the book of condolences. Many people have stopped by to leave a personal message for Cirillo. Tonight, Councillor Sam Merulla tweeted that he is strongly advocating for a state funeral in Hamilton for Corporal Nathan Cirillo.

CHCH News has confirmed that a military funeral will take place on Tuesday in Hamilton.

In Ottawa Thursday, members of parliament returned to the House of Commons in a show of unity following Wednesday’s tragic shooting. And Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers — who’s being credited with killing the gunman in centre block, was given an emotional standing ovation.

The ovation lasted around two and a half minutes, and was followed by MP’s singing “O Canada”. There was also a moment of silence for Corporal Cirillo. And the in the Prime Minister’s remarks — he opened by thanking Cirillo, and all of Canada’s heroes.

The Prime Minister also visited the National War Memorial to pay tribute to Corporal Cirillo.

Harper laid a wreath where Cirillo was shot. Several other MP’s were also there to pay their respects, and sang “O Canada”.

Ottawa police say a man was arrested not far from the memorial for disturbing the crime scene.

N-D-P Leader Tom Mulcair also stopped by the war memorial. He was joined by his wife and Hamilton area MP’s. They were clearly emotional laying a wreath at the site. They said it was important for them to be there to represent Hamiltonians.

The Commissioner of the RCMP, Bob Paulson, says the Mounties were not watching Michael Zehaf-Bibeau before the deadly attack. Paulson adds the 32-year-old petty criminal was not one of the 90 or so high-risk travellers that the Mounties have been investigating. But he says Zehaf-Bibeau hoped to go to Syria, and by some accounts, he may have held extremist beliefs. Investigators also say they have found no connection between Zehaf-Bibeau and the man who ran down two soldiers in Quebec on Monday.

The Stand on Guard Fund encourages all Canadians, and friends of Canadians, to donate what they can.  The funds raised will be evenly split between the families of the two soldiers, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, and will be distributed with the assistance of the True Patriot Love Foundation.

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