Family of fallen soldier thanks community for outpouring of support

On Sunday, September 13, 2009, the family of Private Patrick Lormand received the kind of news no family ever wants to receive.

The 21-year-old Chute-à-Blondeau resident was serving his country as part of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan when the armoured vehicle he was driving struck an improvised explosive device. Lormand was killed in the explosion.

At that time, he was the 130th Canadian soldier to be killed in action in Canada's Afghan campaign. He had joined the Canadian forces in November 2009 and this was his first mission to the war-torn country.

At the regular meeting of Hawkesbury council, held Monday, March 1, mayor Jeanne Charlebois read a touching letter she received from Lormand's parents, Sylvie and Jacques Lormand, and his brother, André Lormand, thanking the Hawkesbury community for its outpouring of support following the death of their beloved son and brother.

"We wish to express sincere gratitude to you and your community for the amazing support you showed following the death of our son," the letter stated. "Your participation in the funeral and the visitation, numerous messages of support and sympathetic gestures are greatly appreciated."

Lormand's body was laid to rest in his hometown of Chute-à-Blondeau on September 25. Hundreds attended the funeral services, while hundreds more in communities across the region gathered to show their love and support for the family.

"The support from the community was awe-inspiring," the letter said. "On the Main Street (of Hawkesbury) employees and business owners were standing outside their shops. Numerous others stopped as the procession passed - many cheered, clapped and saluted Patrick as the funeral procession made it way through town. Students and teachers at numerous schools stood outside, hands placed over their hearts."

The Lormand's noted that even members of the Canadian forces were stunned and moved by the intense outpouring of community support.

"Many said they had never seen anything like this before," the letter stated. "They just couldn't believe the solidarity and respect Patrick was shown by the people in your community. You should be very proud of your town and its citizens."

The letter concluded with the Lormand's encouraging the citizens of Hawkesbury to keep their sons motto, "Spread the love" alive and well.

Charlebois said she was moved by the letter and offered her gratitude to the community for standing by the family during such a difficult time.

"We should all be very proud," she commented.