May 31, 2007

“My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were saddened to learn of the death of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, an imagery technician, in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.

Like his comrades in the Canadian Forces and NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, Master Cpl. Priede worked on the construction of a secure environment for the Afghan population which also seeks justice and freedom after decades of oppression. We salute his courage and his engagement. These women and men deserve our deepest respect.

We join all Canadians in offering our sincerest condolences to Master Cpl. Priede’s family and friends.

Six other soldiers, from the United Kingdom and the United States, perished in this terrible incident. Our thoughts also go out to their loved ones.”

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Media information

Lucie Brosseau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca