Thousands gather to say goodbye to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo

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HAMILTON, ON (NEWS1130) – Prime Minister Harper told the funeral service for Corporal Nathan Cirillo today that the country looks up to his father.

Harper was among the dignitaries, family and friends at the service in Hamilton for the 24-year-old, who was gunned down at the National War Memorial in Ottawa last week.

He told mourners that Cirillo has joined the ranks of so many brave Canadians who have given all in the service of their country, adding that our hearts are broken at his loss but our spirits are grateful at his memory.

“May his son, young Marcus Daniel Cirillo, someday find comfort in the fact that our entire country looks up to his dad, with pride, with gratitude, with deep, abiding respect,” he said.

Thousands of people lined the streets of Hamilton to pay their respects to Cirillo during the procession that brought his casket to the church. Five-year-old Marcus walked behind the coffin, carrying a Canadian flag and wearing the head-gear of his father’s regiment.

“Canadians come together at our National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beside it… to honour those who have given their lives for their country. As Canadians, we stand there, humbled and grateful,” added Harper.

In her eulogy, his cousin Jenny Holland said Cirillo had a genuine interest in military history and love for the outdoors and it was no surprise when he became a cadet.

Holland also said he was “a kid at heart” and it was beautiful to see the joy he had when playing with his five-year-old son Marcus.

The homily was delivered by Reverend Cannon Rob Fead, who said Cirillo’s death was a tragedy but was not in vain, because Canada now stands more unified and more determined than ever to be a place of freedom, hope and peace for everyone.

Fead finished by saying “well done good and faithful soldier, well done. We will remember you.”

Here’s a feed of Twitter posts by CityNews and 680News reporters during the funeral.

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