The deadly fire at CFB Wainwright last month has brought added meaning to this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, Alberta officials said Wednesday.
Four Canadian Armed Forces members — Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding, Pte. Hayden Lykkemark and Sgt. Morgan Wong — died in the Oct. 17 training incident. Dozens of others were injured, many seriously.
Speaking at a ceremony at Alberta’s legislature, Speaker Ric McIver said the deaths are a reminder of the risks military members face while serving their country.
Premier Danielle Smith also honoured the fallen soldiers and thanked the medical teams caring for the injured.
She said military service requires courage and that Canadians must recognize the sacrifices made by those who serve.
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi urged people to remember the sacrifices made by generations of military members and Indigenous veterans to protect Canada’s freedoms.
Meanwhile, Farrell was honoured at a military funeral in Prince Albert, Sask. The 23-year-old was remembered by friends as a loyal friend who brought laughter and support to those around him.
Goulding’s remains were returned to British Columbia on Wednesday. First responders lined the route as a motorcade escorted his remains from Vancouver airport to a funeral home in New Westminster.
The Department of National Defence said 14 of the 39 soldiers initially hospitalized after the fire have been released.
Four other injured military members have also been transferred to health facilities closer to their families in British Columbia and Ontario.
