The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:
"Today, we solemnly commemorate 10 years since Corporal Nathan Cirillo was tragically killed at the National War Memorial. While the site was established to honour our Fallen, none of us thought that it would be a place where a Canadian Armed Forces member would make the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.
"We also pause to remember Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was violently killed two days earlier in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, under similar circumstances to the event at the National War Memorial.
"Warrant Officer Vincent and Corporal Cirillo are remembered for their dedication to duty and their embodiment of the values of the Canadian Armed Forces. The call to serve your nation is the highest calling. They both answered the call, and for that, our nation is forever grateful.
"Today, we remember both Warrant Officer Vincent and Corporal Cirillo, and mourn with their loved ones and the military community which was forever changed by their passing. Lest we forget."
