Homecoming For Fallen Hero
Posted May 16, 2010 12:02 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The body of the latest Canadian soldier to be killed in Afghanistan is making the final journey home Sunday.
Pte. Kevin McKay was killed by an IED blast on Thursday, while on foot patrol about 15 km southwest of Kandahar City.
The 24-year old was with the Edmonton-based 1st Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He was a native of Richmond Hill, and due to be back home with his family in just a few days
McKay apparently had big plans for his summer, including a cross-country road trip, camping and parties with friends to celebrate his homecoming.
His family, mother Beth and father Fred, a captain at Toronto fire station 133, had last spoken to him on Mother’s Day.
His death marks the 144th Canadian casualty since the Afghan mission began in 2002.
McKay arrived at CFB Petawawa at 2pm. From there his body traveled the all too familiar journey along the Highway of Heroes, where many Canadians lined the route to pay their respects.
The final stop was Toronto’s coroner’s court. Many firefighters gathered there to pay there respect and honour McKay’s memory. Flags all around the city were flying at half staff Sunday.
A funeral for Kevin McKay is planned for Thursday.
With Files From The Canadian Press
Sent in by CityNews viewer Tim, 2nd Battalion PPCLI (ret’d)
