Page 25 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 24

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Redblacks provide opportunity for a nation to heal

The massive Canadian flag that was unfurled as part of pregame ceremonies in Ottawa was on loan from Hamilton, the home of Cpl. Nathan
Cirillo, the soldier who was murdered while guarding the National War Memorial on Wednesday, October 22. The photo was taken from the press
box at TD Place in Ottawa. Photo by Terry Tinkess
makes its home with the Hamilton a big deal, my wife and I did that. played than who would win. Sport
By Terry Tinkess
Tiger Cats, was loaned to Ottawa It was a big day in our lives. Also, is a pleasant diversion, but it is also

he Ottawa Redblacks saw specifically for this event. Ottawa is an easy city to fall in love something that seems a constant,

Ttheir record drop to a dismal On the field were representatives with. There’s a bunch of great people which helps when everything around
2-14 when they were defeated 23- from each of the teams and the here, and the fans are spectacular. you seems to be in turmoil. By
17 by the Montreal Alouettes on league as well as two of Cp. Cirillo’s We had heavy hearts about what daring to gather in large numbers in
Friday, October 24, but on that night comrades, senior defense personnel happened, but I know the people here a public place for what is largely an
football was really only a secondary and Prime Minister Steven Harper. are resilient, and there’s good people insignifi cant event, the statement was
consideration. There would be no anthem singer in this town and I’m honoured to be made that we will not be held hostage.
this evening; it would instead be the a part of it.” In Canada we live in freedom, not in
The game, which had an unusual
scheduled start time of 6:30 p.m., voices of the crowd that would carry In this case, more than most, it fear, and we will always, always fi ght
was the first major sporting event in the strains of ‘O Canada’ into the was more important that the game be for what we believe in.

the Nation’s Capital since Canadians Ottawa evening sky.
learned painfully two days earlier It was, to say the least, an KIA SERVICE
that Canada is not immune to acts of emotionally draining experience
terror. in what had been an emotionally
Would the fans show up, or decide draining week, and the crowd could OF CORNWALL AND PARTS
to sit this one out, either out of respect be excused for seeming to be a bit
or as a matter of just being cautious. more reserved than usual, but they
The Senators, after all, had cancelled sang, loud and long.
%
their game against the Toronto When asked if there had been any All
Maple Leafs on Wednesday evening, consideration given to not playing 15

admittedly or not, as a precaution. the game, team president Jeff Hunt
As would be expected, there was said no. “This is the most important off Accessories
a pregame ceremony and moment game of our season,” said Hunt. “We
of silence for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, had to play this game. ✁ when presenting this ad to our parts and service depts. when presenting this ad to our parts and service depts.
the soldier who was shot and killed “I think the Senators made the right
on Wednesday while standing guard decision in not playing their game,
at the National War Memorial, and but I also think we made the right
15
Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who decision as well.”

was killed in a targeted hit and run The game was played, and as 15 % Installed ✁
in St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec on has so frequently been the case this
Monday. season, the Redblacks came close, but off Labour
As the teams lined up, the stands following the game most questions
were still probably 30 per cent empty, pertained to the opening ceremony.
but the facility was not lacking in Coach Rick Campbell, who has on the purchased accessories.
emotion. The players, who normally suffered but never abandoned his
remain at their respective ends of the players, seemed to welcome the

field, combined to present a unified opportunity to share his feelings. 1405 Rosemount Ave.
presence along the sidelines as a “It was emotional, I knew I 613-937-3433

massive Canadian flag that stretched was going to be emotional,” said

from one fifteen-yard line to the Campbell. “I became a Canadian www.kiaofcornwall.ca

other was unfurled. The flag, which Citizen two years ago and that was