A tragedy two time zones away is weighing heavily on the hearts of all Canadians and especially the close-knit community of CFB Trenton.
A grass fire near CFB Wainwright sudden swept through the military base in Alberta on Saturday with tragic results. Four military members from BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan lost their lives.
A total of 39 others were injured, close to half of them in critical condition.
It is, quite literally, the stuff of nightmares – a force of natural suddenly and violently exploding across the landscape claiming the lives and health of our best and bravest.
Reports say the outpouring of support from the surrounding communities has been equally swift, with people bringing meals to first responders, signing up to give blood and opening up their very homes to those who are grieving and trying to find some way to cope.
Though it’s two time zones and several hours away, that impact is no doubt also being felt at CFB Trenton.
The military is a close-knit family of dedicated and selfless people who have pledged their very lives to defending our nation and the people in it. That service builds a bond much stronger than you find in most professions or careers.
Now, the people who stand between us and danger need us to stand beside them while they grieve and find a way to make sense of this tragedy. It is the least we can do for those who do so much for us at home and abroad.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
