Nathan Cirillo, soldiers honoured at Hamilton luncheon, Queen’s Park

He served in World War Two and Korea. And today, he was being honoured for that service. Morley Balinson and about 40 other local vets were honoured Thursday by the Rotary Club and The Canadian Club of Hamilton at a luncheon at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

The event also included a special tribute to Corporal Nathan Cirillo.

The bagpipes announced the arrival of the Veterans of Honour. Men like Morley Balinson , a veteran of WWII and Korea. On Remembrance Day, we honour him and he honours his brother: “Personally, my older brother was a medical officer, my second brother was a wireless air gunner and I was in the infantry. My older brother was killed and is in Malta and was buried in Malta.”

Balinson served with Princess Patricia’s and was an Argyll and Sutherland Highlander for 60 years. The same regiment that Nathan Cirillo belonged to when he was shot and killed while guarding the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

“Shoulder to shoulder, soldier to soldier. They stand so tall for one and all, in answer to the call.”

Joy Ploude was so moved by Cirillo’s death, she wrote a poem for his family.

“That night when I went to bed, I was really grieving for his family and I think God put the poem on my heart.”

Warrant Officer Steve Gardiner, who trained Corporal Cirillo says his death brought the hearts of all Canadians together: “People thought that would never happen in Canada, because it did, Canada mourns together as a nation to mourn with his family and give them support.”

And support the veterans who made it home.

“I’m just happy I’m still vertical and if time allows and I get permission from my management, I’ll go to Metro and hand out poppies.”

Balinson is quite the character. We asked him what it is about the Argylls that makes them so revered. He said they all have nice legs, referring to the uniforms with the kilt. He will be attending Remembrance Day services in Hamilton and thinking about his brother lost so many years ago but always in his heart.

There was another tribute to Nathan Cirillo today. As MPP’s at Queen’s Park paid tribute to Canadian veterans — and those who lost their lives serving our country — MPP Ted McMeekin gave a touching speech in honour of the corporal who was gunned down while standing on guard at the National War Memorial.

“Last week, I attended the funeral of Corporal Nathan Cirillo in my beloved hometown of Hamilton. This young man’s life was taken so callously because he represented the very ideals that represent Canada. Strength, tolerance and peace. Those of us in attendance and the entire nation were given the unique privilege of learning Nathan Cirillo’s life. To catch a glimpse of a proud single father who adored his little boy. A man with an infectious smile and huge heart. a soldier who found the greatest honour in representing his regiment — the Argyll and Sutherlands of Canada while guarding our country’s most important memorial.

There was also a two-minute silence in honour of Canada’s servicemen and women.