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St. Dominic students honour service and sacrifice continued from p.1 One photograph showed the Canadian soldier lovingly holding his dog while another showed him in full uniform standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, where he lost his life when a gunman attacked in October 2014. "Today is a very special day. We will unveil a plaque to honour and remember Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. Cpl. Cirillo stepped up and chose to serve his country. He freely made the decision, as many thousands of Canadians have done before him, to serve and defend Canada with pride," said Grade 7 student Lauren Smith. "He could have been our older brother, cousin or friend. We, as young Canadians, can clearly connect to his love of country and family and his adorable dogs Jagger, Mya and Kya." The 24-year-old Hamilton native was killed Oct. 22, 2014 when a gunman opened fire on him and other soldiers as they stood guard at the National War Memorial. The gunman then stormed Parliament and was killed in a firefight inside the building. The memorial ceremony at the Bronte Veterans Garden began with Senior Kindergarten student Henry Kantor handing Cirillo's mother, Kathy, a bouquet of flowers. "We promise to remember your son, Nathan," said Henry as he presented the flowers. Kathy could be seen choking back tears as she embraced the small child. Those present also heard from Grade 8 student Savannah Arne, who eulogized Cirillo, calling him an animal lover, a dedicated soldier and father to his young son, Marcus, who was also present at the ceremony. "Cpl. Cirillo is someone I strive to be like and someone I look up to because of his courage, dedication, and caring nature, not just towards people around him, but people all over Canada and the world," said Arne. Grade 8 Student Melissa Arruda spoke about the gift soldiers give to society. "Soldiers are courageous men and women, who see a future and a better world in which to live. They want to play an active part in bringing peace and justice to Canada and to citizens in countries around the world if called on to do so," she said. 5 | Thursday, June 16, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com At left, son Marcus Cirillo climbs into his grandmother Kathy Cirillo's lap and gets a hug from his cousin Kameron Cirillo during the memorial for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo at Bronte Veterans' Garden Friday (June 10) morning. At centre, top, Niomi Henry, 13, explains the history of the Bronte Veterans' Garden. At centre, bottom, Kindergarten student Henry Kantor, 5, told Kathy, "We promise to remember your son," as he presented her with flowers during the memorial for Cirillo, who was killed while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in October 2014. At right, Cirillo's sister Nicole Cirillo speaks during Friday's ceremony. | photos by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) "Imagine leaving everyone and everything you've ever loved. All men and women who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces take that risk. Firstly, we honour Cpl. Nathan Cirillo because he freely offered himself to his country to protect us in peacetime and wartime." Arruda said Cirillo's plaque within the Bronte Veterans' Garden would not only help keep his memory alive, but would hopefully inspire future generations, who read his name, to learn about his actions and emulate his spirit. Cirillo's family then participated in the unveiling of the plaque with Cirillo's son Marcus pulling away the bright red cloth that covered it. With the unveiling complete, Cirillo's sister, Nicole, addressed the students. "On behalf of my family, I would like to see Remembering on p.10 INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM Know your goals so you can choose your investments. Marc Nutford - Financial Advisor 2387 Trafalgar Road, Unit E2, Oakville, ON L6H 6K7 905-844-4043 · www.edwardjones.com/marc-nutford Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law