Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, on the death of Corporal Matthew McCully, May 25, 2007
“It was with great sadness that my husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I learned of the death of Corporal Matthew McCully of the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, who was killed while on patrol with Afghan soldiers in a village near Kandahar.
Our Canadian troops are in mourning, but they remain resolute in their efforts to help bring peace and security to Afghanistan. We admire their unwavering commitment and remarkable audacity. Their task is daunting.
I know that all across the country, Canadians join with me in offering our deepest sympathies to the families and friends who are grieving this terrible loss, and our hopes for a speedy recovery for those injured in today’s incident.
We pay tribute to the devotion of these fine soldiers and to their courage.”
Statement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the death of Corporal Matthew McCully, 25 May 2007
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Corporal Matthew McCully:
"On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of Corporal Matthew McCully on this sad day. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of mourning.
Corporal Matthew McCully was killed while on foot patrol helping secure peace and stability in Afghanistan, working alongside our allies and the Afghanistan government.
We are proud of Corporal McCully's contribution to our mission in Afghanistan, and of all our Canadian Forces men and women who soldier on in the name of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
They are aware of the risks of our mission, yet the members of our Canadian Forces family accept these risks and fulfill their duties to stabilize Afghanistan and build a better future for the Afghan people. We are saddened by their sacrifices and remain grateful for their dedication."
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the death of Corporal Matthew McCully, NR-07.043, May 25, 2007
OTTAWA - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Corporal Matthew McCully:
"It is with great sadness that I learned today of the death of Corporal Matthew McCully.
On behalf of all our brave men and women in uniform I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Corporal McCully. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in their time of grief. Our thoughts are also with those who were injured in the accident. We wish them a prompt recovery.
Corporal McCully was killed while conducting a joint Afghan-Canadian foot patrol - part of an initiative that enables the Afghanistan National Army to help secure peace and stability in Afghanistan and extend the legitimate authority of the Government of Afghanistan.
Through the dedication and bravery of soldiers like Corporal McCully, Canada is helping Afghans, and working with Afghans, to build a better and brighter future for Afghanistan while ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a base for terrorism.
The sacrifice Corporal McCully made in honour of Canada and the Canadian people will not be forgotten."
Corporal Matthew McCully was a Signals Operator, based at 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, Petawawa, Ontario.