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On Sunday afternoon, I attended the repatriation ceremony for Major Raymond Ruckpaul at CFB Trenton.
Major Ruckpaul was the 70th Canadian soldier killed while serving their country since 2002. He was an armoured officer based at the NATO Allied Land Component Command Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, who was serving in Kabul, Afghanistan, with the International Security Assistance Force Headquarters.
Major Ruckpaul was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the highest ranking Canadian soldier to have died in Afghanistan.
Although mystery surrounds his death, Sunday was a time to honour a soldier who served his country.
Members of Major Ruckpaul’s family, military colleagues, dignitaries and citizens standing just beyond the fence, came out for the service at CFB Trenton.
I’m been to other repatriation services at CFB Trenton, more than some media and less than others. But, each time there are moments that will stay with you for your life.
The Airbus was scheduled to land at the base at 4 p.m. When I arrived at 3:30 p.m., there wasn’t the media presence at the base as there usually is. I think it was because there was no advance notice of when Major Ruckpaul’s remains would be arriving at the base.
Outside the base, there was still a strong show of support for Canada’s soldiers.
There were ex-military, Legion members, bikers and everyday citizens who, each time a soldier is brought home, stand outside the gate to get a glimpse of the service and to pay respects as the procession leaves the base and travels along County Road 2, along sideroads to Highway 401 for the trip west to Toronto for an autopsy on the remains. Every fallen Canadian soldier makes this trip.
Outside the CFB gate, there were many Canadian flags. There were also Native flags which I thought was a strong show of unity for this country. We are different, but we share the same land. We know when it’s time to come together to fight, to honour and to grieve.
While talking with the media liason at the base, I learned the arrival of the Airbus would be delayed for approximately 20 minutes.
Shortly after, Chief of Defense Staff, General Rick Hillier ,and Minister of National Defense Peter MacKay walked out of the terminal accompanied by their entourage. They walked towards the gates, then shook the hands of each Military Police officer in attendance. They then walked towards the south perimeter fence along County Road 2 to meet the people waiting to pay respects to the fallen soldier.
Squeezing their fingers through the fence, General Hillier and Mr. MacKay chatted with the people. They thanked everyone for coming and the support they are giving to the soldiers. Although I’m sure it wasn’t meant to be a photo op, it was. From both sides of the fence, people thanked one another.
Each person along the fence had a story to tell General Hillier and Mr. McKay. A Trenton woman had a Canadian flag with the names of each fallen soldier written on it. A Legion member mentioned to Mr. MacKay he knew a colleague.
Approximately 10 minutes later, both men turned to walk back to the tarmac as it was getting closer to the arrival of the jet. When they were approximately 20 meters from the fence line, it started. Slowly at first, then louder. People started clapping. Although it had been a small gesture, to meet the people at the fence line, the people were thanking them. It was very moving to witness.
Shortly after, the jet touched down, taxied to the terminal and the engines grew quiet.
Soldiers just arriving home from Afghanistan still wearing combat fatigues exited the jet and lined the tarmac. The soldiers would soon be embracing loved ones at other areas of the country, counting their blessings that they made it home safely this time. But, this was a time to salute Major Ruckpaul. The honour guard from the Royal Canadian Dragoons marched out along with other soldiers.
The mother and father of the fallen soldier slowly made their way to chairs set up for them.
Sgt. Ruckpaul’s mother clutched a white rose while using a cane with the same hand to help her walk. His father held onto his wife’s left arm as they sat in the chairs placed for them near the hearse that was to carry their son’s body.
As soon as they sat down, Sgt. Ruckpaul’s mother buried her face in her hands and began to sob. It seemed the reality of it all had just been realized. Mr. Ruckpaul placed his arm around his wife. Others placed hands on her shoulder, trying to console the inconsolable. Her son was dead; coming home for the last time after a lifetime of serving his country for over two decades.
The casket was lowered from the belly of the plane as the wail of the bagpiper began. It has been the only voice to speak during repatriation ceremonies. Members of Sgt. Ruckpaul’s Royal Canadian Dragoon’s walked slowly and placed the career soldier's remains inside the hearse, then marched off.
Sgt. Ruckpaul’s parents were helped to the back of the hearse to place flowers on top of the flag-draped casket. Out of the sight of the cameras, the couple had a private moment with their son's remains.
The only sounds that were heard were a mother's cries for her son. You didn’t need to see the anguish. You heard it. It is seared into my memory for a lifetime.
Shortly after, the couple walked away. Other family members spent a few moments placing flowers on the casket, then the door was closed.
Family members got into the limousines and made their way to Toronto along the Highway of Heroes.
I said to one soldier near me just before I left, each repatriation there is something that effects those covering this, either along the Highway of Heroes or at CFB Trenton.
She remarked these are "the images of war."