Like many young Canadian servicemen, Kyle Merrell has walked through the valley of the shadow of death.
The 25-year-old from Nova Scotia served in Afghanistan with the 2 Royal Canadian Regiment between 2010 and 2012. He was a part of a force protection group, helping people get about the troubled region safely.
It was a role that put him in harm’s way, yet despite the hardships and sacrifices Merrell witnessed genuine improvements in the lives of Afghans since Canada began its mission in the country.
“We have really seen a difference in what we did in that country, bringing peace and stability to the region,” he said.
Now safely back in Canada, Merrell recalls with particular fondness the camaraderie developed with fellow soldiers in Afghanistan.
“When you go over there you really bond with the men you are with,” he said.
The Afghan conflict may be behind him, but Merrell’s schedule is still busy as he continues his training with the Edmonton-based Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).
“Some of us are going to Hawaii, some of us to California for training missions,” he said.
Merrell appeared at Friday’s Day of Honour ceremony in Barrhead’s Memorial Park.
The occasion marked the end of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan and paid paid tribute to the fallen, the sacrifices of the wounded and the special burden borne by military families.
Merrell was one of three people to lay a wreath. The others were Lyle Saumer, who also served with the PPCLI, and Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 75, first vice-president Rebecca Lonsdale. The 15-minutes ceremony also involved a short service, prayer and addresses by Town councillor Roy Ulmer and Barrhead County Reeve Bill Lee.
Ulmer and Lee said they were honoured to pay tribute to Canadian troops.
National Day of Honour ceremonies were held across Canada last Friday, honouring the 158 Canadians who died in Afghanistan in their country’s largest mission since World War Two.
