Bodies of soldiers back home in Canada

The families of the two soldiers were joined on the tarmac at the base by Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natynczyk.

Audet served with the 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and Joannette with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22nd Regiment. Both were based in Valcartier, Que.

Some of the people who turned out on bridges over the Highway of Heroes Thursday afternoon brought with them Quebec flags, to honour the returning soldiers.

The soldiers were killed Monday when their Griffon helicopter crashed northeast of Kandahar City.

A British soldier was also killed and three other Canadian soldiers were injured.

The Canadian Press reported Wednesday that the crash occurred when the helicopter, blinded by a dust storm, clipped a security wall. The military is currently investigating the exact cause of the crash.

Joannette's family issued a statement Thursday saying his loss has left a huge void in their hearts.

His wife, Marie Eve Dionne, recalled her husband's big smile and infectious sense of humour.

Audet is also survived by a wife, Katherine.

Ben Walsh, whose son Master Cpl. Jeffrey Walsh was killed in Afghanistan on August 9, 2006, said the repatriation ceremony is one of the most emotional times for a fallen soldier's loved ones and expressed his condolences to the Audet and Joannette families.

"Our soldiers are Canadian protectors and whether they're protecting Canada or they're on a mission, they're still fighting for us, for Canadians," Walsh told CTV News Channel on Thursday.

After the repatriation ceremony, the bodies of the two soldiers will be driven along the portion of Highway 401 known as the "Highway of Heroes," to the coroner's office in downtown Toronto.

The deaths bring to 124 the number of Canadian troops killed since the Afghan mission began in 2002.

Comments are now closed for this story

Daniel Clayton
said

As a former soldier and decorated war veteran who was injured by a road-side bomb in Iraq; I am now the CEO of an international risk consulting firm who is committed to providing Hostile Environment Awareness Training to soldiers and contractors to mitigate their risk of being injured or killed in hostile regions such as Afghanistan.

Thank you for your service, you made the ultimate sacrifice for your country.

Only the Dead have seen the End of War - Plato (427 BC - 347 BC)

Steven Goodhue
said

I was a member of the Armed Forces and it's always hard to hear of another fallen comrade. Freedom has it's cost but it has it's rewards.

MJ
said

God Bless you and give peace to your families.

Nils
said

Thank you for your service.

Sarge
said

REPATRIATION ROW

We Will Never Forget
Your Ultimate
Sacrifice

Stand Down Soldier
You Are Now
Homeward Bound

TP
said

My heart goes out to the families of these soldiers.

I thank the soldiers for their sacrifice and I also thank the families who will bear the burden of forever missing their loved ones.

RIP

Murray McClafferty Retired Soldier
said

I live in Trenton and normally attend all repat ceremonies with the Legion. I am currently visiting out west. I worked with Pat Audet at the scuba club in Trenton and I'm so sorry that I wasn't home today. My condolences to both families.

Paul
said

This is always a sad time for Canadians. Although we are deeply saddened by the deaths of these men, we are reminded that there are people who represent our Nation and are willing to give it all to protect us and to help those in need.
Thank you to these men, their comrades and their families.

Michael Mitchell
said

I just attended at CFB Trenton, and have been since November or so. Gut-wrenching, yet moving. It makes me proud to be a Canadian. Regardless of your view on our "mission" there, it's critical that we honour our troops. Rest, men. Your duty is done.

Maroon Beret
said

Rest in peace brothers...
AIRBORNE

Mark
said

Lenny they should be passing through Durham around 3:30 PM. Welcome Home Guys

justjeff1972
said

To anyone who wishes to pay their respects to our fallen, normally the flights arrives at CFB Trenton in the early afternoon; 1-2pm or so. Depending on the flow of traffic, motorcade, etc, the procession normally hits Bowmanville close to 4:20pm.

Linda - Toronto
said

Lenny,

The convoy is expected to come through Oshawa at 4:15p.m today.

JSR
said

Welcome home brothers... Thank you both.

Doug, Medicine Hat
said

I would like to second Kelly's comment.

Gord. Robson, Nova Scotia
said

OUR thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of these two brave men.

To all those who are serving in the Canadian Forces we thank you for serving Canada and making the world a better place!

Lenny from the Shwa.
said

It's a sad day for Canadians. I wish I knew roughly what time they were heading through Oshawa so i could pay my respects.

Kelly
said

I just wanted to thank our 2 fallen heros for their service to our country. I am so proud to be a part of a country that mourns the losses we suffer overseas as if they were family members, not a mere stranger. RIP