Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada on the death of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede
May 31, 2007
“My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I were saddened to learn of the death of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede, an imagery technician, in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan.
Like his comrades in the Canadian Forces and NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, Master Cpl. Priede worked on the construction of a secure environment for the Afghan population which also seeks justice and freedom after decades of oppression. We salute his courage and his engagement. These women and men deserve our deepest respect.
We join all Canadians in offering our sincerest condolences to Master Cpl. Priede’s family and friends.
Six other soldiers, from the United Kingdom and the United States, perished in this terrible incident. Our thoughts also go out to their loved ones.”
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Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Master Corporal Priede
31 May 2007, Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede:
“It is with sorrow that I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede who died when the helicopter he was in went down yesterday in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. I also extend my condolences, on behalf of all Canadians, to the family and friends of the six other coalition members who lost their lives.
Master Corporal Priede was working with allies to fulfill our international commitment to bring security, democracy and self-sufficiency to the Afghan people. This crash occurred near the site of a hydroelectric dam that is being repaired so it can provide electricity to the southern city of Kandahar.
The progress achieved in Afghanistan would not have been possible without men and women like Master Corporal Priede who put themselves on the line everyday. We will not forget Master Corporal Priede’s selfless contribution on behalf of Canada.”
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Death of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede
NR–07.048 - May 31, 2007
OTTAWA – The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede:
“On behalf of the entire Defence community I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Master Corporal Darrell Jason Priede who died when a helicopter, in which he was a passenger, went down in Helmand Province in Afghanistan. I also extend my condolences to the families and friends of the six other coalition troops who died in this incident.
Master Corporal Priede was a valued member of the Army News Team from 3 Area Support Group, based at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. He gave his life not only to protect Canadians and our national interests, but also to provide hope to Afghans for a better future.
Master Corporal Priede was part of an international coalition working to bring peace and security to this troubled country. Canadians are forever proud and grateful for his service and for the contributions of all our men and women in uniform.”
Statement by NDP leader on the Death of Master Cpl. Darrell Jason Priede in Afghanistan
Thu 31 May 2007
As we are all still grieving the recent death of Corporal Matthew J. McCully, the NDP was deeply saddened by news of the loss of another Canadian soldier, Master Cpl. Darrell Jason Priede.
On behalf of all New Democrats, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and the military community at CFB Gagetown as they cope with this tragedy.
