I’ve written before that travel makes the world smaller. That when tragedy occurs in a place we’ve been, we feel the story more personally than if we’re simply reading newspaper headlines.
That’s still true, but those tragedies don’t usually happen as close to home as they did on October 22, 2014.
A lone gunman shot and killed a soldier, Nathan Frank Cirillo, who was standing guard at the National War Memorial. The gunman subsequently entered our Parliament building with a rifle. After exchanging gunfire with police, he was killed before any more lives could be taken.
After a tragedy, our first response is to disbelieve it. To think, things like that don’t happen here. But, of course, they can. They can happen anywhere, even in a country that thinks of itself as peaceful, and that takes pride in the openness of its Parliament building and the surrounding area.
Ottawa is just a few hours drive from Toronto, and we took the girls there over the 2006 Christmas holidays. We did the things many families do when they visit Canada’s capital city. We went to the National War Memorial, we had our pictures taken outside the Parliament buildings, we toured the House of Commons and Senate. On our way into Parliament, we passed through metal detectors. My oldest daughter, then 12, set off the alarm by accidentally carrying her craft scissors in her pocket. We’ve laughed about it for years, but today it just makes me sad.
Cirillo was killed yesterday at the National War Memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier now has a name and a face.
Sending prayers to the family of Nathan Cirillo.
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| Nathan Frank Cirillo; photo credit The Toronto Star |
Such a senseless tragedy Beth. I think we, as Canadians have all lost one of our own. Your sentiments here ring so true for many of us. This sense of "too close to home" really resonates. 🙁
A lovely, thoughtful tribute, Beth. Thought-provoking, too.
So, so awful. Thanks for this very sweet post.
Sues
Dear Beth, There are no words for such senseless heartache; except prayers for this soldier and his family. Catherine
The world, it seems, has gone mad lately. Thank you for taking a time out to honor and reflect upon what truly matters. xo
So sad, so tragic. What a heartache for his family…and for Canada.
I was so SHOCKED and couldn't believe when I saw this tragedy on TV.
A darkest day for the family.
Angie
It's heartbreaking, Beth. This post is a fine memorial.
So many tragedies in the world. I guess we should all count our blessings each morning and pray for those affected by this violence.
This was such an awful tragedy, it makes me upset just to think about 🙁
Hugs
Uru
So so awful and sad. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
how upsetting! i hadn't heard about this. 🙁
This was so sad. We were in Ottowa in 2007 and the images from then and now are so disparate, I could barely bring them together.
Canada has always been my link to sanity in an insane world. So it was more than heartbreaking to read of this. I know anything can happen anywhere. I wish it wasn't so.
This is such a sad event…nice tribute.
Really such a senseless and sad happening. I feel for the families. Really nice post, too. Thanks.
News arrived here as well! So sad. I feel so sorry first for him who left this world so early and second for his parents who lived to see their child dead. This is unbearable!
Beth, what a tragedy and what a very moving tribute, dear friend!
Ugh, so awful. I feel sick just thinking about it.