When I was 16-years old growing up in Hamilton I was looking for a summer job. My two older brothers served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. Paul served in the Navy with HMCS Star, Brian was with the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (RHLI) out of the James Street Armouries. I vaguely remember going downtown trying to choose which reserve group to join. I ended up with the 23 Service Battalion but I have no idea why I chose that group. But I do remember that I did not want to join the Argylls because they wore kilts. In 1980 it was not cool in Hamilton to wear a kilt. It may not be cool today. After 10 months in the Army Reserve I was off to Cornwallis and basic training for the Regular Forces. What I learnt in the Reserves was invaluable in getting me through basic training.
I bring up that story today because of Nathan Cirillo, of the Hamilton based Argylls, who was tragically murdered at the Ottawa memorial of the unknown soldier. To hear his background story you can't help but to be impressed with this young man. He was a far better soldier than I ever was. He was older at 24 and much more mature. By the time I was 21 years old I was a 4-year veteran and out of the military.
I have been following the story and have been moved by the outpouring of support for Cirillo and his family. In particular the city of Hamilton has adopted Nathan Cirillo as a proud son of Steeltown.
Fellow Hamiltonian Bereza and I are attending the Ti-Cat game in Toronto today. I'm sure there will be a fitting tribute to a fallen son of The Hammer at the game.
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