TORONTO - A sombre ceremony will be held at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ont., Wednesday as the body of the latest Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan returns home, while people who knew him salute their fallen friend on Facebook.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay and the chief of the defence staff, Gen. Rick Hillier, will be among the dignitaries on the tarmac along with several family members as the military transport plane carrying the remains of Gunner Jonathan Dion arrives at 2 p.m. ET.
"It's always difficult when a loved one dies at war. But in a case like this, at this time of the year, I'm sure it will be even more difficult,'' base spokeswoman Maj. Isabelle Robitaille told The Canadian Press in an interview Tuesday. "But certainly there'll be a lot of people to pay their respects and to offer their support and their sympathies and their prayers.''
After arriving, Dion's casket will be driven along the Highway of Heroes to the coroner's office in Toronto, which is standard procedure, Robitaille said.
"As usual, if the public wants to pay their respects, they'll be travelling through the Highway of Heroes,'' said Robitaille. "And it's certainly always a good comfort for the family when we see people out there showing their respect and supporting them in this time of grief.''
She said the body will be later released to the family, which is making its own funeral arrangements.
Dion, 27, was killed Sunday and four other soldiers suffered non-life threatening injuries when their T-LAV -- an older model light-armoured vehicle that had been refurbished -- struck a roadside bomb about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar City.
Dion, with 5e regiment d'artillerie legere du Canada, based in Valcartier, Quebec, was the 74th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002, and 30th to die in 2007. This was his first overseas operation and he was due to return to Canada in March.
His friends and some family members have been posting remembrances to him on Facebook.
Mathieu Whalen, a friend who created a Facebook group as a tribute after Dion's death, wrote to The Canadian Press via Facebook.
"Integrity and loyalty sum up his personality for me. His heartfelt sincere concern for people brought the best from those who listened/cared. His loss saddens many people from the region and companions wherever he set foot,'' he said.
Whalen continued Dion was proud "of his accomplishments within the Canadian Armed Forces and had strong positive feelings about his work.''
Whalen added "Jonathan would keep in touch when he was back in town (Gatineau) and we had fun like in the old days. He always kept an optimist view of life and knew how to get the best out of his friends.''
"That's why my brother Jon went there. To make a difference,'' wrote Guylaine Dion, who identifies herself on Facebook as Dion's sister, and posted her message in French.
She added her brother is a true hero of the war and represents "what the West is trying to do there.''
Kevin Graham, another friend, also posted a message in French.
"Hey, my favourite gunner. I still have a hard time believing that you left us, but I know you have no regrets and enjoyed every moment of your life,'' Graham wrote.
Graham then wrote about his memories of winning baseball games together, partying together, graduations from their elementary and high schools, and all the times Dion told him he wanted to leave Gatineau, near Ottawa, and make a difference in the world.
"Jon, you were a great friend, an excellent soldier and I'm going to miss you, old buddy. You're the most courageous man I've ever known and you left as a hero. I am proud of you and can't wait to see you again,'' he said.
Childhood friend Benoit Fournier posted on Facebook that Dion's funeral will be held at Eglise Jean XXIII on Jan. 12th in Gatineau.
His family said in a statement Monday Dion loved being a soldier, and "with dignity, gave up his life serving his country with honour and pride alongside his brothers in arms in Afghanistan.'' They added they were extremely proud of their son.
MacKay issued a statement Sunday saying "Gunner Dion was an exceptional Canadian who deserves the utmost gratitude and respect of this nation. This is a tragic loss for Canada and the Canadian Forces.''
Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General Michaelle Jean have both said they were deeply saddened by Dion's death.
"We will not forget the sacrifice made by Gunner Dion while working to make life better for others,'' Harper said in a statement Sunday.
