Cpl Cirillo Procession

I was at Bay and Main to see Cpl Cirillo's procession and it certainly brought tears to my eyes.

From the honour guard by the Hamilton Fire Department to the shear number of people in attendance, it was the most moving experience I've ever had the privilege to witness.

Like many others, I plan on being present for the procession from Bayfront Park Tuesday morning.

The thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with the Cirillo family and I've never been more proud to be Canadian and a Hamiltonian.

we may come on here and whine and moan about coaches players politicians etc but i took my 8 yrs old neice down to main n dundurn the other nite to pay our respects as she had talked about what happened on wednesday she never stoped talking about it. innocent questions from a innocent person as we stood there waiting she says uncle bill when the soldiers comes we need to sing oh canada for him he was nice enuff to do exactly what the song says i said whats that sweety she says he stood on quard for thee. thank you cpl cirillo and all soldiers who continue to do that for us and the ones before friday nite opened my eyes and it was through the thousands who came out and a innocent lil girl

Some pictures I took this morning

Some members of his regiment

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10414439_10203507096291314_5050487287240017165_n.jpg?oh=9fc8903b35ad983305868cef3ff0b49c&oe=54ED1CFF&__gda__=1424285338_3c84901ace27d9cdac77c35d58f2b8ae

Big lump in my throat as this came around the corner.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1512824_10203507096211312_6851748238925825064_n.jpg?oh=0954297918a3c763761d84d83257698d&oe=54F68196&__gda__=1424969158_cc1da125439e2c1ba69f860bfa8f0f31

The casket and pallbearers from his regiment

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10422458_10203507095891304_6537378434993555752_n.jpg?oh=94781da8173cfae3862c9d041ee94a71&oe=54F0BA85&__gda__=1425295763_ef973561c476e87f9c840d622a33e0fa

The flag drapped coffin

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10730792_10203507096171311_8995474015451035695_n.jpg?oh=d3dc7237221414646fd419f974ac080f&oe=54AE5D4D&__gda__=1424379995_ad6dfb1ef301ad08b5dc068516b33da0

Heartbreaking seeing Cpl. Cirillo's five year old son Marcus walking along behind his Dad's casket.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1958427_10203507096251313_3323889404270138563_n.jpg?oh=1568c83614f0d6cbb4b305dd1b49bb67&oe=54E5105F&__gda__=1424400399_4651d46c1fcaa2fe38fb27882fcbb505

Thousands of military, police, fire fighters and EMS personnel only marched as far as First Ontario Centre

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10406754_10203507153092734_618082395061608964_n.jpg?oh=649512952104baea6fbfab97c98aff2e&oe=54DFA3FC&__gda__=1420435575_e93395c80465ac3a1850fa50a2f5fa37

Lots of security including snipers on at least three buildings I saw. This directly across from where I was standing on the roof of First Ontario Centre (formerly Copps Coliseum)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1966696_10203507529902154_3901496702168684901_n.jpg?oh=30b5d5240d763029ff8d8ba39e8dead4&oe=54EDB4F0&__gda__=1424531360_02934631be6bf446097281baba9986bd

fly past from one of the planes from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10710973_10203507152892729_1818677528386941014_n.jpg?oh=0ed1f8abc2c8d492d8d319560d76bd1c&oe=54AEB457&__gda__=1424500776_a63fa0efab9cc29ce736c4267b63851c

Great pics Pat,

Thanks, I was at work today and thus could not attend.....

#CanadaStrong

Thank you for the photos, I was not able to attend.

Glad that the people of Hamilton and other areas were able to pay their respects.

The news said about 4500 people were in the procession. I am sure many more were on the streets. Very sad events, but no doubt it has brought the country together.

I was at the funeral home and the service in the church. I kept looking at the little guy- Marcus. He's 5-years old and will not have his father in his life as he grows up. He seemed genuinely puzzled by all that was going on around him. But that's what you would expect from him. Still- I think most of us can remember some things from age 5 so I'm sure the rising of the nation and the City of Hamilton will be good memories for him.

I was also struck by Nathan and the "team" he worked with at the Argylls. The stories I heard reflected the banter, camaraderie one expects from a high functioning team who are supportive and loyal to each other. Nathan was the same age as many of our players. I've heard Kent Austin speak many times to loyalty and values that he seeks in the young men who play for him. I can't help but think of the parallels between two great "teams" in this wonderful city we call "The Hammer".