1001431319Hamilton, ON (24 October 2014): The calm of Canadian public life has been shattered this past week by the tragic deaths of two members of the Canadian Armed Forces: Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo. The latter’s death occurred while mounting silent, respectful, and unarmed vigil at the Canadian War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Canadians of all ages and walks of life have expressed their collective sadness and their profound shock at these horrific events. The decency of ordinary Canadians has been expressed in concern for the families of these two soldiers and, in particular, Corporal Cirillo’s young son, Marcus. In the digital age, gestures of support are often expressed by “clicks or likes”. Looking to move beyond that, a group of concerned citizens launched the Stand on Guard Fund to raise money in support of the families of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo.
“The outpouring of grief and emotion online should be turned into real action to honour their memory” said Kasra Nejatian, who co-founded the project late this past Wednesday. The Stand on Guard Fund is working with True Patriot Love to disburse all monies raised between the families equally.
As Shaun Francis, Chair of True Patriot Love eloquently expressed, “Grassroots movements like the Stand on Guard Fund are the truest demonstrations of our nation standing together in their support for the members of our Canadian Armed Forces and their families.” Announcement – the Marcus Cirillo Trust It is with great pride that the family of Corporal Nathan Cirillo, the Argyll Regimental Foundation on behalf of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, and True Patriot Love are announcing the creation of a special trust for Corporal Cirillo’s son – the Marcus Cirillo Trust.
Every dollar raised by the Argyll Regimental Foundation and by the Regiment will go directly to the Marcus Cirillo Trust, while the monies raised by the Stand on Guard Fund will be divided equally between the families. The TD Bank has generously set up a trust account for Marcus so that individuals anywhere in Canada may also make a direct contribution at their local bank (TD Bank, Transit # 2221, Account #6391935). Kathy Cirillo, Nathan’s mother and Marcus’ grandmother, is overwhelmed by the compassion, the concern, and the condolences for her son and her grandson. She has expressed her abiding thanks to all Canadians for their thoughts, their prayers, and this generous act of lasting remembrance.
