memphiz
07-19-2004, 06:50 PM
By Corporal Steven Bilodeau
I was in training at CFB Kingston on September 11, 2001, when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. That devastating event has affected me ever since, and I have always wanted to pay my respects to the victims' families. Last February, during my deployment on Rotation 1 of Operation ATHENA, I was able to follow through on this wish. As soon as I started planning my leave trip, I knew that it would take me to the site of the World Trade Center.
My presence in Afghanistan today is a direct result of the events of September 11, 2001. No one is safe from terrorism. Like everyone else, when I heard the news of the attacks, I was shocked and shaken. Imagine losing someone close to you; it would help to have support from as many people as possible.
Along with my platoon — 8 Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment Battalion Group (3e R22e R BG) — I decided to make a symbolic gesture of support for the families of the deceased. At Camp Warehouse (the second of the two camps in Kabul, Afghanistan, where Canadian soldiers are serving), I bought two flags: Canada's, and that of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF ) . On June 8, 2004, at Camp Julien, we wrote on the Canadian flag, “ GOD BLESS U.S. AND CANADIAN TROOPS .” On the ISAF flag, I wrote my name and those of the other members of my platoon.
As planned, I visited Ground Zero on June 30, during my leave. To my great surprise, only members of the victims' families were allowed onto the site, which has been set up to commemorate those who perished in the 9/11 attacks. I met two women outside the entrance, and one of them asked me why I was there. I explained the purpose of my visit and the preparations I that had gone into it. I told her about our mission in Afghanistan and the gesture of support we wanted to make. She immediately offered to make me her guest, thus giving me the privilege of access to the site.
As her friend listened, the woman told me how her husband had died in one of the twin towers. She repeated several times how much my gesture had touched her. Love letters and mementos dedicated to the victims covered the walls of two buildings that probably represent the towers. There were many medals, including a Bronze Cross from a Vietnam veteran. Numerous visitors from many countries had left similar mementos and tokens of recognition. While I was talking to the bereaved woman, I could sense her hatred and outrage — her fists were clenched the whole time. I think it's important for the Americans to know that we, the members of the Canadian Forces, are doing our part to maintain peace in the world.
The visit ended with a few photos and many words of encouragement, and my pride in being a Canadian soldier was stronger than ever.
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Feature_Story/2004/jul04/19/GZ1_sm.jpg
Corporal Steven Bilodeau
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Feature_Story/2004/jul04/19/GZ2_lg.jpg
The two women Corporal Steven Bilodeau of 3 R22e R BG met at Ground Zero were very touched by his gesture of support.
I was in training at CFB Kingston on September 11, 2001, when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. That devastating event has affected me ever since, and I have always wanted to pay my respects to the victims' families. Last February, during my deployment on Rotation 1 of Operation ATHENA, I was able to follow through on this wish. As soon as I started planning my leave trip, I knew that it would take me to the site of the World Trade Center.
My presence in Afghanistan today is a direct result of the events of September 11, 2001. No one is safe from terrorism. Like everyone else, when I heard the news of the attacks, I was shocked and shaken. Imagine losing someone close to you; it would help to have support from as many people as possible.
Along with my platoon — 8 Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment Battalion Group (3e R22e R BG) — I decided to make a symbolic gesture of support for the families of the deceased. At Camp Warehouse (the second of the two camps in Kabul, Afghanistan, where Canadian soldiers are serving), I bought two flags: Canada's, and that of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF ) . On June 8, 2004, at Camp Julien, we wrote on the Canadian flag, “ GOD BLESS U.S. AND CANADIAN TROOPS .” On the ISAF flag, I wrote my name and those of the other members of my platoon.
As planned, I visited Ground Zero on June 30, during my leave. To my great surprise, only members of the victims' families were allowed onto the site, which has been set up to commemorate those who perished in the 9/11 attacks. I met two women outside the entrance, and one of them asked me why I was there. I explained the purpose of my visit and the preparations I that had gone into it. I told her about our mission in Afghanistan and the gesture of support we wanted to make. She immediately offered to make me her guest, thus giving me the privilege of access to the site.
As her friend listened, the woman told me how her husband had died in one of the twin towers. She repeated several times how much my gesture had touched her. Love letters and mementos dedicated to the victims covered the walls of two buildings that probably represent the towers. There were many medals, including a Bronze Cross from a Vietnam veteran. Numerous visitors from many countries had left similar mementos and tokens of recognition. While I was talking to the bereaved woman, I could sense her hatred and outrage — her fists were clenched the whole time. I think it's important for the Americans to know that we, the members of the Canadian Forces, are doing our part to maintain peace in the world.
The visit ended with a few photos and many words of encouragement, and my pride in being a Canadian soldier was stronger than ever.
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Feature_Story/2004/jul04/19/GZ1_sm.jpg
Corporal Steven Bilodeau
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Feature_Story/2004/jul04/19/GZ2_lg.jpg
The two women Corporal Steven Bilodeau of 3 R22e R BG met at Ground Zero were very touched by his gesture of support.