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PEMBROKE — Master Cpl. Mike Trauner could only reflect on the remarkable turn of events in his life after he courageously walked the final few metres when as Olympic torch arrived at CFB Petawawa yesterday.
The soldier, who lost both his legs to an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, led a group of 20 runners to a stage where the flame was hoisted above the cheering crowd at CFB Petawawa.
Trauner nearly lost his life in Kandahar barely over a year ago.
"It's a great honour," said Trauner, who will be released from the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre next week after undergoing nine months of therapy.
"Just being alive is great, but words can't describe it. It's an amazing feeling."
The infantryman's father, Gerry Trauner, drove from Sudbury to share this moment with his son.
Gerry Trauner said his son has overcome many obstacles to come back from such a devastating injury noting his wife, Liona, who recently passed away, was the one who taught him to never give up.
"He has a mountain of challenges before him but he's done exceedingly well," said the proud father.
The festive atmosphere followed the torch as it was carried through several Ottawa Valley communities yesterday as residents joined in celebrating the coming of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.
In Pembroke, a beaming Brian Dinwoodie jogged briskly toward a massive stage erected especially for the occasion.
The 45-year-old Special Olympian climbed the stage and promptly dipped the torch over a cauldron which burst into a bright flame.
"This is historical and it will be difficult to match this," said Mayor Ed Jacyno. "This will be a story for our grandchildren."
Dinwoodie, who won three medals for snowshoeing at the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, carried the flame the final 300 metres.
Jacyno told the crowd there couldn't be a better ambassador of the Olympic spirit than Dinwoodie.
"Brian Dinwoodie has made this flame shine brighter because of his own athletic accomplishments," said Jacyno.
Today, the torch returns to Ottawa before heading toward the Seaway Valley and finishing the day in Kingston.