'May they know that they are not alone'

The following statement about the death of Sergeant John Faught was issued tonight by Governor General and Commander in Chief Michaëlle Jean, shown during a visit to Afghanistan last September.

************************* OTTAWA — (January 16) - As in previous weeks, we are mourning once again. At a time when our soldiers are being deployed on an emergency basis to assist a Haitian population devastated by a horrible earthquake, a new and deadly attack in Afghanistan serves as a brutal reminder of the risks our troops face wherever duty calls.

My husband Jean-Daniel and I were deeply saddened to learn that Sergeant John Wayne Faught from the 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton, Alberta, was killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting a security foot patrol near the city of Nakhonay, in the district of Panjwayi, some 15 kilometres southwest of the city of Kandahar.

Our soldiers – our fine men and women – continue to exhibit uncommon altruism and bravery alongside the Afghan population, who aspire to a normal life, security, justice, and sustainable human development.

And Canada, along with all of the allied countries belonging to NATO and operating under UN authority, supports this fundamental aspiration.

Let us come together in our hearts and in our minds and show the utmost respect as we pay tribute to Sergeant Faught’s rare contribution and the ultimate sacrifice that he and his family, friends, comrades and loved ones have made.

May they know that all across this land, Canadians feel their sadness.

May they know that they are not alone and that our thoughts are with them during this painful time.

************************* Full SooToday.com coverage of this story

Sault soldier dies in Afghanistan Prime minister's statement on death of local soldier Defence minister's statement on Sgt John Faught 'The war touches our community again' 'May they know that they are not alone' 'Forever grateful for his selflessness and courage'