OTTAWA -- It’s their small way of honouring a fallen brother, a comrade who paid the ultimate price for his country.
The motorcycle riding group Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders has tried to attend repatriation ceremonies in CFB Trenton for every lost soldier from Afghanistan, but, sadly, the sheer number of deaths and the daily tasks of work and family have left many unable to make the trip.
So, for the second, but not the final time, they stood at attention in front of the cenotaph at the Orleans Legion Sunday and saluted.
This time it was for Pte. Kevin McKay, who died Thursday night only days before his tour was due to end.
National president Mike “Smokey” Blow said he believes the ceremony in Orleans is appropriate because that’s where they all live and the club, which includes both veterans and supporters of the troops, was founded there.
“Last time, we did the memorial service here and we’ll keep it here. We don’t mind the ride (to Trenton), but it’s a long day and we feel it’s right to do it here.”
‘Get choked up’
Vice-president Mike “Chevy” Chiviendacz said he feels sick every time a soldier is lost. “People’s voices break, you get choked up every time you hear about it. That’s how I feel now talking about it.”
Veteran Craig Pedersen, a former comrade of Chiviendacz, brought his two sons, saying it’s important that they understand what others are doing, even if it’s happening so far away.
“It’s a new type of military now and to go out and observe Remembrance Day, it’s not really a clear picture. Having the children out here to see Pte. McKay’s face in front of the cenotaph, it makes them understand this is real. Not in a fearful way, but it’s a true fact of life.”
scott.taylor@sunmedia.ca
