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Oakville corporal guards Tomb of Unknown Soldier by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 3 | Friday, July 10, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Despite the murder of Hamilton's Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in October, Canadian soldiers continue to stand ceremonial guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. Earlier this month, an Oakville soldier began his turn at the watch. Cpl. Robert Alexander, 21, of the Toronto Scottish Regiment spoke about his reaction to being assigned to guard the war memorial, which contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier killed during the First World War. "It really is an honourable and very distinct opportunity. It is definitely a chance that doesn't come along often," he said. "My first reaction was just to hop on it because it really is an honour and a privilege to be standing there." Alexander noted that guarding a war memorial holds meaning for him because the memorial commemorates the thousands of Canadian soldiers who have given their lives for the country over the years. Corporal Robert Alexander, 21, of Oakville stands guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. | photo courtesy National Sentry Program - Ceremonial Guard - Department of National Defence Many, he said, did not get proper burials and, in the cases of the unknown soldiers, some no longer even have names. Alexander said it is a privilege to serve as a sentry at a memorial honouring their sacrifices. The Oakville man said both his grandfathers fought during the Second World War and have shared stories with him about what they went through. Alexander joined the military four years ago after graduating from Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School. He said he decided to sign up after his father's deep interest and fascination with the military rubbed off on him. A full-time working reservist, Alexander currently splits his time between carrying out various infantry related drills with his fellow soldiers and working behind the scenes at the regiment in Toronto. He is hoping to eventually move to the regular Canadian Forces. The presence of Canadian soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a fairly new practice, started in 2007 after several young men see Guard on p.12 The Body Shaping Fitness Studio For Women Special 2 month Summer memberShip july & auguSt $ adult 125.00 $ Students & Seniors 85.00 *All classes included. CONCRETE ExposEd aggrEgatE (pebble) Best Women's Fitness! 183 Lakeshore Road W., Oakville | 905.849.1919 | www.bodyshapingstudio.com Oakville's · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando FREE ESTIMATES 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com www Don't Compromise on Driver Training upComing Courses July 20, 21, 22, 23 4 Days 9:30 am to 3:30 pm August 4, 5, 6, 7 4 Days 9:30 am to 3:30 pm August 24, 25, 26, 27 4 Days 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Located in Downtown Oakville for over 25 years! www.drivewiseoakville.com 905-845-7200