Communities And Country Rally Around Soldiers Following CFB Wainwright Tragedy

In the days following the tragic October 17 fire at CFB Wainwright, residents of Wainwright and communities across Canada have demonstrated their support for the soldiers, their families and those affected by the devastating incident.

From flowers placed at Wainwright’s cenotaph to hundreds of residents lining the roads as soldiers returned to Edmonton, the gestures have reflected the close bond between the military and the communities surrounding it.

The fire claimed the lives of Sgt. Morgan Wong, Pte. Shaun Farrell, Pte. Aidan Goulding and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark, and injured 39 other soldiers.

Flowers and messages of condolence were placed at Wainwright’s cenotaph near the Memorial Clock Tower on Main Street, providing a place for residents to honour the fallen and express their support for grieving families.

On October 21, approximately 300 people lined the highway as two buses carrying soldiers departed CFB Wainwright for Edmonton. Residents waved Canadian flags and held signs, including one reading, “Wainwright stands with you.”

Wainwright Mayor Bruce Pugh described the gathering as “a Highway of Heroes kind of thing in our own little community.”

The demonstration of support continued on October 23 when a second group of soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, travelled from Wainwright to Edmonton. Despite cold winds and a mixture of rain and snow, residents once again stood along the roadside to honour the soldiers.

People also wore red that day as a visible expression of solidarity with Canadian Armed Forces members and their families.

The community also gathered for a prayer vigil at Wainwright’s Church of the Nazarene on October 21, bringing residents together to remember the fallen and offer comfort to those affected.

Financial support has also reached organizations assisting military families.

On October 23, Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright MLA Garth Rowswell announced that TD Bank had donated $100,000 to two Military Family Resource Centres.

According to Rowswell, $50,000 was directed to the Wainwright Military Family Resource Centre for crisis intervention, emergency childcare and in-person grief counselling for families stationed at the base.

Another $50,000 was donated to the Edmonton Military Family Resource Centre to assist with emergency travel, medical crisis response and support for families receiving care in Edmonton.

“These organizations are doing great work supporting people coming in and out of the province and we are so grateful to you for placing those funds right where they need to be,” Rowswell said in a Facebook statement.

Additional assistance has come from across Canada, including donations, medical personnel and organizations establishing funds to help military families.

While communities have shown their support, accounts of courage among the soldiers themselves have also emerged.

During an October 22 press conference, Major-General Wade Rutland, Commander of the 1st Canadian Division, described how soldiers and their leaders immediately helped their injured comrades as the fire swept through the training area.

Despite the danger and injuries some had suffered themselves, soldiers loaded wounded teammates into vehicles and transported them for medical assistance.

“I have heard unbelievable stories of valor and heroism over the past few days from those that were on the ground,” Maj.-Gen. Rutland said.

“You will hear those stories when the time is right.”

He also shared what many injured soldiers have been asking for while recovering in hospital.

“When we ask injured soldiers in the hospital what they need, many give the same answer. They want to see their teammates.”

Families, he added, have also been asking when their loved ones’ fellow soldiers can visit.

Maj.-Gen. Rutland emphasized that the Canadian Armed Forces is more than an institution, describing it as a team and a family whose members continue to support one another through the tragedy.

He expressed appreciation for the people of Wainwright, first responders, medical professionals and Canadians who have offered assistance.

“We have not carried this alone,” Maj.-Gen. Rutland said.

“To Canadians, veterans, and families who have reached out from across the country, your messages of support have reached our soldiers and their families.”

Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan also acknowledged the compassion shown to military members and their loved ones.

“The outpouring of support from Canadians is a solemn reminder to our members and their families that they are not facing this tragedy alone,” Gen. Carignan said.

As families mourn and injured soldiers face a long road to recovery, the flowers at Wainwright’s cenotaph, residents standing along the roads in difficult weather and the generosity shown across the country reflect a community determined to stand beside those who serve.