It’s a somber day in Hamilton, Ottawa and across the country as soldiers and Canadians mourn the 10-year anniversary of the tragic death of Corporal Nathan Frank Cirillo.
The Hamilton native was shot and killed on Oct. 22, 2014 while he was on ceremonial sentry duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa.
Tributes are pouring in for the fallen soldier, including from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, Cirillo’s former Canadian Army Reserve infantry battalion.
Ten Years On, We Remember the Service and Sacrifice of Corporal Nathan Cirillo
As we mark this solemn anniversary, the regiment has come together to reflect, to heal, and to uphold our proud legacy of service to Canadians. pic.twitter.com/d1buHba0Ef
— The Argylls (@TheArgylls) October 22, 2024
The 24-year-old was a loving father, son, brother and friend.
The attack at the nation’s capital was considered a serious security breach and sparked questions about overall security at Parliament Hill.
On that fatal day Montreal-born Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, who had a criminal record, shot Cirillo in the back multiple times then charged into Parliament’s Centre Block, where he was shot to death by RCMP officers inside.
Zehaf-Bibeau was later reported to have a “criminality of violence and of drugs and of mental instability” by the RCMP.
Despite efforts to save Cirillo by passers-by and first-responders he died in hospital in Ottawa.
Following his death thousands of people lined the overpasses on Hwy 401’s ‘Highway of Heroes’ and filled the streets of Hamilton to honour him as his funeral coffin passed.
Corporal Nathan Cirillo was buried at the Hamilton Woodland Cemetery.
In Ottawa, a plaque for the soldier sits at the National War Memorial.
A service in Cirillo’s honour is scheduled to take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 3:30 p.m Tuesday.
Members of the Hamilton Argyll will be in attendance as well as some first responders who tended to Cirillo 10 years ago, today.
– by Simone Gavros and Marney Carmichael
CHCH will have coverage of the memorial service on the Evening News at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.