29 Dedication 08

A dedication ceremony was held for Trooper Darryl Caswell in his hometown of Bowmanville.Darlene Cushman's words at

Trooper Caswell's Dedication Ceremony
I would like to thank, the Mayor of Bowmanville, Mr. Jim Abernethy and Ron Hooper who is standing in for him this evening.
Erin O'Toole who is representing MP Bev Oda for this evening, MPP Mr. John O'Toole.
The President of Branch 178 The Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans, Town Councillors, honoured guest, and especially the support of the citizens of Bowmanville, a a heartfelt thank you for being here this evening, to honour my son, Darryl Caswell.
Today, I sat with a pen and paper reading over words I had already written, writing more, then scratching words away. I looked around the room and the first thing I saw was Recce Gnomer standing on the table looking straight at me. I laughed and I cried. Recce Gnomer reminds me of Darryl. He went everywhere with Darryl and the other soldiers. They event went to Australia together, and then back to Afghanistan. so today Recce Gnomer leaks a little sand.
Recce goes with me to visit Beechwood cemetery, ceremonies, dedications and he even went with me to the tattoo parlour! We recently went to Afghanistan together.
So today, he is here too! I feel Darryl is smiling at the comfort and adventures that Recce Gnomer and his mom have together.
This evenings proceedings may never have happened, but for my wonderful friend John Johnson. I met John the weekend after my son, Darryl's funeral. He and his wife Jaci were introduced to me by Councillor Willi Woo here in town.
From that day forward John and Jaci have supported me, they have become true friends, their support has been a credit to them. In fact I have adopted them into my family. To John, my sincere thanks for organizing this dedication and making this day become a reality.
So many things have happened during the past 11 months, leading to this evenings dedication to Darryl.
Each event that has taken place in honour of my Son, my heart has been broken and yet bursting with pride. What more can a Mother give than that of their loved one in defence of what they think is right and just.
My Son did that, he did it so we in Canada could live freely, he gave his life in order that those who are oppressed by fear could live freely, all be it on foreign soil. Thousands of miles from his homeland, the land he loved so dearly, Canada. The land to which he was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice.
Tonight's event, I pray, to help put some closure to the worst 11 months of my life. There are 83 families across Canada, who have suffered as I have, no doubt they are still suffering from their losses. To them I say this, "May the Good Lord give you the strength to continue each and every day, and me that strength also."
I would like to thank the military for the support given, and the support they continue to give, including the Next of King trip to Afghanistan. I will always be grateful for the privilege to follow in my sons footprints, as far as I could go. Thank you Master Corporal Chris Carpenter for going with me and Darryl's sister, Jolene.
A special thank you to Frankie Dollo, who is a veteran from Bowmanville Legion, for his wonderful support and for knowing exactly when to hold my hand. Also, the CAV Unit for brining their moto5rcycles in support of this dedication.
Finally, thank you Lieutenant Colonel Steve Cadden and all those members of Darryl's Regiment, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, for their support and attending this evening.
I ask God to keep you all safe and free from harm, always!
Forever proud, Darryl's mom
Darlene Cushman