MARTYR MARC DIAB

What is a remembrance day?
By: Marie Barakat
10 November 09

For most people this day comes once a year. For most people, we wait until the 11th of November before we pause, breathe, close our eyes and take a moment to remember. For most people, we wear red poppies and read poems of remembrance only today. For most people, we think of our soldiers only today. For some of us, this day lasts all year round. For some of us, we think of our soldiers every time we sit down for dinner, every time we say a prayer, every time we celebrate a birthday, every time we close our eyes to sleep. Every time we inhale—we’re thinking of our soldiers. Those same soldiers who once upon a time took an oath of devotion and ultimately sacrificed their lives for their countries, their beliefs, their families—for people like you, for people like me, so that we may live in peace and in freedom.

Growing up in Canada, the routine of celebrating Remembrance Day became completely casual. It was a moment of silence for our fallen soldiers, a moment of honour, a moment of thanks. Until this year, the poppy symbolized groups of random soldiers, groups of random lives and random wars and random battles. Until this year, today was just another day. And now, I remember one soldier in particular. I remember my soul mate, my other half, my very best friend, my boyfriend, my soldier—Marc Diab. With him, I now remember all soldiers, I place names to those random faces and I think of them and of their families. I think of the soldiers who lost their fight, those who continue to fight, and those who will be fighting in their future.

To say that Marc is my world is an understatement. And to try and explain how that same world crumbled when Marc was killed in Afghanistan on March 8th of this year, just two weeks before he was supposed to come home, would be impossible. I woke up that day knowing that he would be leaving on an operation as he told me the night before. So I did what I did every morning for the previous six months. I checked the news in Afghanistan and there was nothing out of the ordinary, I felt relieved that Marc would be fine. But for some reason, I felt uneasy, I felt a weight on my chest—something that told me something bad was about to happen. It wasn’t long before these feelings were confirmed—my parents then told me, what I know is the hardest thing any parent would ever have to tell their child, they told me that Marc was killed that morning. I watched as they struggled through the words, trying to tell me what had happened, that he was dead, that he would not be coming back for me like he had promised.

I would never wish that very moment on any one else, and my attempt to explain those feelings would go in vain. That moment, and most of the next while is just a big blur to me. The events that followed now feel like a movie playing on repeat in my mind—pausing and playing at random times. Film clips re-arranging themselves in levels of grief, levels of despair. Some even disappearing altogether.

A few days later, we drove to Trenton to welcome Marc home. It was a difficult trip for everyone, but once we all arrived and the doors of the plane opened and Marc was lifted out of the plane, the sun shone over the crowds and immediately gave us all the strength we needed to get through this. The drive home was beautiful—we were a convoy of many, many cars, each with photos of Marc taped to the dashboards, to the hoods and trunks of cars. While driving along the highway of heroes, people would get out of their cars and stop to salute as we passed. On top of every bridge we passed, we were saluted by hundreds of people waiting in the freezing cold, waving photos, flags and flowers in Marc’s memory. Later that week, the church was filled to each corner with his friends, family, fellow soldiers, the mayor and people whom had never even met him. It was through the support and love of our community that we were able to make it through this difficult time, and it truly showed how many lives were touched and honoured by Marc’s sacrifice.

This year I will wear the poppy, because I understand what it means to me and to my country, I will wear it to honour, remember and show how proud I am of our soldiers, and of Marc. Today the poppy I wear means so much more then just a red flower, the moment of silence is more then just two minutes without talking, and a Canadian soldier is so much more then just a man with a rifle.

I can tell you about Marc for hours—I can tell you that he was dedicated, loving, enthusiastic, humble, determined, caring and smart. I can tell you all of these things and more. I can tell you that when asked to describe him in one sentence, my answer was simple, he was half man, half amazing. Marc embodied dedication, to his family life, social life and to his work. Marc’s personal mission was to ensure happiness all around him and would go out of his way, even from the depths of Afghanistan to ensure that we were happy, that we were okay.

Our fallen soldiers worked here at home and abroad for the benefit of Canada and of it’s citizens. They lived selflessly to protect others, to help us, heal us, and relieve our suffering. I applaud the support of Ontarians—in particular, the visual displays of affection and tribute along the Highway of Heroes. Today we pay tribute to those who gave their lives so others could know hope and opportunity, and we humbly thank their loved ones for their sacrifice. Living in peace has not made us forget how to honour their service or sacrifice—it has made us honour them that much more.

There is no statute of limitations on grief. There is no doctrine that says you can be sad for 3 months, and resume life as normal any time after. There is nothing that says it’s okay to turn away from his photos, his bedroom, his home. There is no one to tell you how long the pain lasts and how bad it feels. Nothing that says how long before life will feel normal again. There is nothing that reminds you to breathe, to eat, to sleep. Nothing that stops you from re-reading old letters, hanging on to old pictures, sitting in old memories. Nothing that says it’s okay to measure their time gone the way we once measured birthdays. There is nothing that erases the sorrow of going to our church in a black dress for his funeral, instead of a big white dress for our wedding. Nothing that erases the pain of taking a limo to pick up his coffin instead of my groom. There is no statute of limitations on grief—they say it exists in five stages. But grief is one constant stage, of sorrow, and longing. On days like today, we all share in one common grief. Grief for the losses of strangers, of men and women, of our soldiers—our peacekeepers.

Each one of us is born for a specific reason and purpose, and each one of us will die when we have accomplished whatever was to be accomplished. The in-between depends on our willingness to make the best of every day, of every moment, of every opportunity.

Marc was born to be a soldier, he knew this too. He accomplished what God had initially set him out to do, and now he maintains guard alongside God in heaven. Waiting, as soldiers do, until finally they’re reunited once again with those they left behind. We use this day to remember our fallen soldiers, our risen angels—and on this day, as every other, we remember Marc Diab, and every other soldier, both dead and alive, fighting for their nation, for their families, and for our freedom.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April 24, 2009
Mississauga News
Dear Editor:
The family of Trooper Marc Diab wishes to thank all who have shared and supported us in the past weeks, by paying their respects and honouring a Canadian hero and soldier of peace who was killed on a mission to help the people of Afghanistan restore peace and security to their land.
We wish, particularly, to thank:
The Governor General of Canada; the Prime Minister; the Minister of National Defense; the Lt.-Gov. of Ontario; the Premier of Ontario; the Parliament of Canada; the Ontario Legislature; the Mayor of Mississauga; the OPP and Peel Regional Police; firefighters and paramedics; members of the Royal Canadian Legion; the Canadian people on the bridges along the Highway of Heroes, at the funeral home, at the church or at the family home; the media; schools, churches and youth; the Lebanese community in Canada and abroad, especially in Australia, France, United Kingdom, the United States, Kuwait and the Holy Land; and, the Canadian Diplomatic Missions in Lebanon, Kuwait and Australia.
Our gratitude and thanks also go out to the Canadian Army, and to Marc’s extended family, for the recognition, support and appreciation of what he has done for his country and freedom for the whole world.
We thank our dear families, friends and the whole community of Ain-Ebel, who celebrated the sacrifices of our hero with honour and pride.
Special thanks to our Lady of Lebanon Church in Toronto and to those who called, sent flowers, cards, e-mails, food, beverages and/or donated money for Marc Diab Children’s Foundation to make Marc’s dream of helping children come true.
May God bless Canada and our Canadian values.
Jihan and Hani Diab
Mississauga
 

استشهاد جندي كندي من أصل لبنان في أفغانستان
 توفي اليوم الأحد 8 آذار/09 في أفغانستان متأثراً بجراحه الجندي الكندي الشاب (اللبناني الأصل) مارك دياب البالغ من العمر 22 سنة، وذلك بعد أن تعرضت السيارة الكندية العسكرية المدرعة التي كان يستقلها إلى لغم أرضي. الجندي الكندي الشهيد مارك دياب هو الشهيد رقم 112 للجيش الكندي في أفغانستان. عائلة الشهيد هاجرت إلى كندا من بلدة عين أبل الجنوبية وهي تقيم في مدينة ماسيسوكا/أونتاريو.

المنسقية العامة للمؤسسات اللبنانية الكندية تتقدم من عائلة الفقيد، ومن عموم أهالي بلدة عين إبل، في كندا ولبنان والمهجر، بأحر التعازي القلبية، وتطلب لنفس الفقيد الراحة الأبدية في جنة الخلود إلى جوار القديسين والبررة، وتطلب من الله القادر على كل شي لذويه الصبر والسلوان
إضغط هنا ودون بالإنكليزية كلمة عزاء بالشهيد

Guest Book For Marc Diab/
Click Here and offer your condolences/Sign the Guest book

The LCCC Extents its Condolences to The Diab Family who lost their Son, The Canadian Soldier Marc in Afghanistan today
March 8/09/The LCCC (Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council) extents its warmest and deeply felt condolences to the Diab Family, and to all the Ain Ebil Lebanese Community in Canada, Lebanon and Diaspora. We ask Almighty that graciously grant Marc's soul the eternal rest in heaven, and grant his family the needed faith, endurance and patience to be able to cope with their great loss and grief

**Marc Diab: From A Wedding To A Funeral: Family Prepares To Bury Canadian Soldier (a Vedio) CTV 09/03/09/Click Here

Soldier's gripping farewell
Funeral watches goodbye video
By IAN ROBERTSON, SUN MEDIA
Last Updated: 18th March 2009,
In a video Trooper Marc Diab made in case he didn't return from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he is shown having fun off-duty and as a soldier.
Play Video In a video Trooper Marc Diab made in case he didn't return from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he is shown having fun off-duty and as a soldier -- a life mourners at his funeral heard yesterday he chose with pride.
It concludes with a message: "Don't cry ... cause I'll see you ... tomorrow."
Diab, 22, of Mississauga, gave a pal the black-and-white video -- which ends with him kissing his beloved girlfriend, Mary Barakat, 21 -- to be aired in church should he be killed, Rev. Emmanuel Nakhle told 1,000 people in Our Lady of Lebanon Church on Queen St. W.
Another video had photos of friends and scenes in Lebanon -- the country he left in 2000.
The Royal Canadian Dragoons member was killed March 8 by a bomb in Afghanistan -- the 112th Canadian soldier to die in the conflict since 2002.
Four companions in their Coyote armoured vehicle were injured by the "improvised explosive device" in a mountainous area north of Kandahar.
Six white streamers were hung on the church steps, between the flags of Canada and Lebanon, before the 95-minute funeral mass got under way.
Many mourners wore Diab photo buttons. A framed picture of the lanky soldier stood at the altar, below screens showing him with youngsters at a church summer camp he organized.
Mourners included veterans, soldiers, 20 members of the Governor-General's Horse Guards, police officers, Mounties and Mayor Hazel McCallion. Eleven priests participated in the Maronite Catholic service.
Two red-coated soldiers -- with ceremonial spiked brass helmets -- joined a procession as Diab's flag-draped coffin was carried by eight regimental comrades, accompanied by two girls scattering red flower petals onto the red carpet as a children's choir sang.
Two friends opened with eulogies in English and Biblical Arabic. Altar boy Brian Awad later sang a personal tribute.
"Goodbye, my friend, we all love you," Anthony Moussalem added. "Your heart was big enough for everyone."
Father Emmanuel Nakhle said Diab's girlfriend, who was to be his "life's companion," was too upset to speak.
"He showed lots of dedication," and had a "pure spirit," said the priest.
"No love is greater than dying for the others," he said. "Marc, you cared for the others, you served for the others and you gave them hope.
"The Lebanese community of Toronto will never forget," Nakhle said, praying in Aramaic.
Seeking freedom for Afghanis, Trooper Aly Alwani said Diab "died in a faraway, distant land ... as a hero.
"Marc Diab fought for what he believed was good," Alwani said. "He served his country with honour and his family with love -- he will never be forgotten."
Remembered for humour plus thoughtful advice, the soccer-loving outdoorsman planned to propose to Barakat back home, his family said earlier.
They met before his family emigrated to Canada, when he was 12.
Calling him "my son," Charbel Barakat promised his daughter's boyfriend "will be engraved in our memory" as a faithful man who helped others and "a friend whose love was endless.
"My dear Marc, you paid the ultimate price for a cause you believed in, for a better world to live in," Barakat said.
IAN.ROBERTSON@SUNMEDIA.CA

THE AFGHAN MISSION
Honouring the fallen
The Canadian Press
March 18, 2009
Jihan Falah-Diab, mother of Trooper Marc Diab, waves goodbye to her son's flag-draped casket as it is carried out of Our Lady of Lebanon church after his funeral, attended by hundreds of mourners, in Toronto yesterday. Trooper Diab, 22, was killed in Afghanistan on March 8 and four other soldiers were injured when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol northeast of Kandahar city. His mother has said her son dreamed of a military career from the time he was a boy in war-torn Lebanon and wanted to bring peace to the world. The family moved to Canada in 2000. He had been planning to propose to his girlfriend Mary Barakat when he returned to Canada. Her father, Charbel Barakat, said in his eulogy: 'Marc, you once told me, "I will make you proud of me." Well, you really did it, son.' The young soldier, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in Eastern Ontario, was the 112th Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission since 2002.

Trooper Marc Diab remembered
By Allison Jones, THE CANADIAN PRESS
2009
The casket carrying the remains of Trooper Marc Diab is carried at CFB Trenton last Thursday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Peter Redman
Canada's Afghan Casualties
TORONTO - Mourners gathered Tuesday to remember Trooper Marc Diab as a cherished son, friend and mentor who in his 22 years left an indelible mark on the many lives he touched - and as a man who gave his own life in the name of peace.
"You paid the ultimate price - your life - for the cause that you believed in: to have a better world for everyone," Charbel Barakat, the father of the soldier's girlfriend, said at Diab's funeral service.
"I hope the price that you and your many comrades have paid will be enough and that we will see a peaceful world flourishing from Afghanistan to Canada."
Hundreds of mourners packed Our Lady of Lebanon church in west-end Toronto to remember Diab, who was killed March 8 in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb.
"Marc, you once told me, 'I will make you proud of me,"' Barakat said in his eulogy. "Well, you really did it, son."
Diab was born in Lebanon, and his family moved in 2000 to Canada, where Barakat said the young man was proud to serve his adopted country.
"As a Canadian your dream for peace, your love for everybody, did not change," Barakat said.
"But you felt the need to help in a special way, the most difficult way - you enlisted as a soldier."
Diab had no illusions about the risks that accompanied his mission in Afghanistan. Knowing there was a chance he might not return home alive, he recorded a video to be shown at his funeral.
Diab had been planning to propose to his girlfriend Mary Barakat when he returned to Canada. The priest at Tuesday's service said the 21-year-old woman was too distraught to deliver a eulogy for the man she had hoped to spend her life with.
Military personnel and police officers were on hand to salute Diab's casket as it arrived at the church. As police held back traffic, mourners and bystanders paused to watch as the casket was unloaded from a hearse and brought inside.
Diab, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in eastern Ontario, was the 112th Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission since 2002.
Friends remembered Diab as someone who had an answer for everything and was always striving to make them laugh, particularly with his impression of the character Borat.
"He wanted to experience absolutely everything and he dragged us along with him," said his friend Stephanie Deeck.
"From trips to the cottage and the beach, to off-roading in his Jeep, to singing songs out loud in the middle of the street, breaking the rules and overeating sushi - there was never a dull moment."
He always wanted to make people happy and would not have been pleased there were so many tears at his funeral, friends said.
Diab led a summer camp through his church, and during the service and in messages in the funeral program, the teens he mentored praised a young man who made a lasting impression on their lives.
"He treated us like his friends and not children," Jessy Khalife wrote in one of several tributes in the funeral program.
"He made us a part of his life, and now he will forever be a part of ours."
Others called Diab a hero who taught them "when you want something, you have to work for it and you should never give up."
The last page of Diab's large, colourful funeral program was reserved for three poems and songs written by the soldier himself.
"This is the time we fall hard onto shaken knees/Praying and begging the lord for a second chance," he writes in one entitled "The Moment."
"Veins awaken, yet pumping and heart full of tears/My life is so short in time, it only lasts a glance."

Eulogy For Martyr Marc Diab

By: colonel Charbel Barakat

17/03/09

 From the hills of South Lebanon, the backyard of the famous Tyr

Where El the ancient god had told Anat: Sek Dod Earth (Plant love on earth)

 From the holy land of Galilee where Jesus and Mary had walked,

The land of Annunciation where the disciples had began to preach the Good News

 To the wide cold North of the Green Canadian plains, and finally to your home in Mississauga

You have carried your dreams, your love and your courage…

 When your parents felt that Peace was no longer an option,

They came to the land of Peace and by doing so, they made the right decision

 As a Canadian, your dream for Peace, your love for everyone, did not change;

But you felt the need to help in a special way, the most difficult way - you enlisted as a soldier.

 Marc

You were unique, everything you did was so, and will be engraved in our memory

You were ambitious and never gave up;

You had no limits, always willing to run the extra mile

 Marc was sincere and would give the world if asked to

He was also a best friend whose love and care were unlimited

He was fearless but respectful at the same time

He believed in the freedom that is only limited by the freedom of others

 He was a brave soldier that always worked hard to prove his determination,

A believer in God, in the values of Canada, so proud to serve under its flag

He felt the duty to give and started young leading the kids’ camp

When called to help the Afghanis he did not forget the suffering of the Lebanese

 My Dear Marc

Your smile was too real and your enthusiasm too clear

You paid the ultimate price, your life, for a cause that you believed in: “to have a better world for everyone”

I hope the price that you and your many comrades have paid,

Will be enough, and that we will see a Peaceful world flourishing from Afghanistan to Canada

Marc

You once told me I will make you proud of me

Well… you really did, everybody is proud of you

Rest in Peace Soldier of Peace

Trooper Marc Diab was a 'comforting presence'
Updated: Tue Mar. 17 2009
ctvtoronto.ca
Hundreds of mourners packed a Mississauga church Tuesday morning to pay tribute to a fallen soldier, killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan.
Trooper Marc Diab, a 22-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., was killed March 8 as a result of a roadside bombing. The incident wounded four other soldiers in the armoured vehicle transporting the men.
Mourners watched a video of Diab wearing army fatigues while driving a car and playing with kids at a youth camp he volunteered at. Another slide showed a smiling Diab kicking out from underneath a pile of sand that covered him on the beach. The video also showed him training with his army colleagues and kissing his long-time girlfriend Mary Bakarat.
The video was shot in tune to a song called "Tomorrow" that Diab had asked a friend to play at his funeral should he not return from Afghanistan.
The song kept repeating the words, "Tomorrow....don't cry we'll see each other tomorrow."
'Full of life'
A slide show of pictures showing Diab as a young child and then as a teen with his family and in the church was also shown.
His father, Hani Diab, said Diab was a true Canadian who valued the country as a "land of peace."
"As a Canadian your dream for peace and your love for everyone did not change but you felt the need to help in a special way, the most difficult way. You enlisted as a soldier," he said.
"You once told me, 'Dad, I will make you proud of me'," he continued. "You really did it son. We all, everybody, is proud of you."
Several of Diab's friends also spoke at the funeral service. They remembered a dedicated friend who had a special talent for making people laugh.
One friend said Diab could perfect any accent and imitate anybody he came across. He had a special gift for imitating Borat, a popular, fictional character in a hit movie.
The friend also remarked on Diab's creativity and sense of humour.
"He made sure people could always hear us or see us no matter where we were," he said.
"He wanted to experience absolutely everything and brought us along with him," said another friend. "He was full of life and shared that with all of us."
Military salute
The military was on hand to salute Diab's casket as it entered the Our Lady of Lebanon church, draped in a large Canadian flag. Police officers, firefighters and strangers also gathered outside the temple to pay their final respects. Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion also attended the service.
The pastor of the church remembered Diab as a "polite, committed" community member who was an active leader at the church's summer camp.
"He helped youth stick together and was an example of faith and dedication to the church and the community," he said. "There were no complaints, no temper, no attitude but a positive one. Marc was a comforting, caring presence that was always ready to serve."
The pastor read out loud a letter of recommendation he wrote to the Canadian Army back in July 2004. In the letter, he told the Canadian Army that Diab was "the perfect person to represent Canada" and that he would be "an asset" to the mission in Afghanistan.
He recalled a "skinny 17-year-old" who called him, begging him to let him attend a church camping trip. He was the first to show up at the bus with a big music keyboard, two tents, a knapsack, sleeping bags and other camping equipment.
Diab served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based at CFB Petawawa, which is northwest of Ottawa.
Diab is the 112th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since the mission mission began in 2002.
He was weeks away from returning home when he died. He told family members he was looking forward to proposing to girlfriend.
His mother Jihan Diab told CTV Toronto on March 9 her son knew from the time he was eight years old that he wanted a career in the military. When he left for overseas, he soothed her worries.
"He told me, 'Mom it's good. I won't be in danger so much'," she said.

Funeral for Ont. soldier
By IAN ROBERTSON,
SUN MEDIA
17/03/09
About 700 mourners packed a Toronto church for the funeral of Marc Diab. (MICHAEL PEAKE/Sun Media)
TORONTO - In a video at his funeral today that showed Trooper Marc Diab having fun and on duty, he urged everyone "don't cry ... cause I'll see you ... tomorrow."
He made the black and white video, which ended with him kissing his girlfriend, and left it with a friend to play at his funeral in church, in case he never returned, mourners were told.
Another video made with still photos by friends in Lebanon showed his boyhood homeland, people he knew and him on military manoeuvres.
Both were accompanied by recorded music, the first titled "Tomorrow, we'll meet tomorrow."
Six white ribbons, a Canadian flag and the flag of Lebanon were hung at the entrance of Our Lady of Lebanon Church on Queen St. W., east of Roncesvalles Ave., for the 95-minute mass that began at 10 a.m.
Veterans, soldiers – including 20 members of the Governor-General's Horse Guards – Toronto and Peel Regional Police, And Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion plus red-uniformed RCMP, also attended.
Eleven priests participated in the service – one from Windsor - the others from the Greater Toronto Area.
Two red-coated soldiers with shiny brass spiked helmets were in the procession of priests and relatives that preceded Diab's flag-draped coffin, which was carried by eight regimental comrades.
Flower girls trickled red petals onto the church's red carpet as a choir of children sang.
Two friends opened with eulogies in both in English and Biblical Arabic.
Father Emmanuel Nakhle told mourners Diab's girlfriend, Mary Barakat, who was to become his "life's companion", was too upset to deliver her eulogy. The soldier's dad also could not speak.
Nakhle praised Diab for enthusiastically working with church youth and as a Scout.
"He showed lots of dedication," and had a "pure spirit."
"No love is greater than dying for the others," Nakhle told the congregation. "Marc, you cared for the others, you served for the others and you gave them hope.
"Marc, the Lebanese community of Toronto will never forget ... You lived a spectacular hero; you died a spectacular hero," he said, before leading a prayer in the Aramiac language.
Diab, 22, of Mississauga, was serving with the Royal Canadian Dragoons when he was killed March 8 by a roadside bomb in a Taliban transit area of Afghanistan.
Four companions in their Coyote armoured patrol vehicle were injured in the detonation of an IED (improvised explosive device) while patrolling the mountainous Shah Wali Kot district northeast of Kandahar.
Diab was the 112th member of Canada's military to die there since deployment of troops from this country in 2002.
He is survived by his parents, Hani Diab and Jihan Falah-Diab, sisters Jessica and Maya, plus longtime girlfriend Mary Barakat.
The pair met as children before their families emigrated to Canada from Lebanon.
The Diabs left their war-torn homeland in 2000, when their son was 12.
Particularly close to his mother, the soccer-loving outdoorsman and summer church camp worker remembered for his infectious sense of humour planned to propose marriage to his 21-year-old "soulmate" after returning home, his family said.
Last summer, Diab gave Barakat a set of his military dogtags.
"He loved this country," she told The Sun last week. "He was very proud to be a soldier in uniform."
Barakat also regards her lost love as "a hero," she said. "He wanted to make a difference."
Mourners wore photo buttons with Diab's picture on their lapels and coasts for the funeral mass. A large framed photo of him in uniform was placed at the church altar, below two slide screens showing him with more than 50 youngsters at summer camp.
Soon after hearing of her son's death, Diab's mother said he always wanted to be a soldier and she considered him a "hero" for serving.
Jihan Falah-Diab said her only son "wanted peace" everywhere.
After the service, Peel Regional Police cruisers led the hearse carrying Diab's coffin for burial at Assumption Catholic Cemetery in Mississauga.
- With files from Joe Warmington

Trooper Marc Diab remembered as 'spectacular hero'
Mississauga New
By: Louie Rosella
March 17, 2009 12:13 PM -
Trooper Marc Diab will be buried later today in Mississauga, but those who knew the 22-year-old couldn't help but look to the skies this morning at his funeral.
Some wondered why such a brave and courageous life came to an end so early. Others were thankful they had the privilege of knowing such an "angel," albeit for a short time.
"No love is greater than dying for others," Father Emmanuel Nakhle told mourners. "You served others. You cared for others. You made a whole generation smile and finally, you died for all of them. You lived as a spectacular hero and you died a spectacular hero."
Hundreds of mourners, including representatives from Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police, the RCMP and the Canadian military, packed Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Toronto to give their final salute to the fallen soldier.
Diab's family, including his father, Hani, and mother, Jihan, followed the flag-draped casket into the church.

Diab died for his country, but he was a well-respected leader long before his "last sacrifice," Nakhle said.
"Marc was a very talented person. He was creative and participated in youth activities in the parish," the priest said, adding Diab ran several summer church groups for youths. "He was an example of faith and dedication to the church and to our community. He was just a comforting and caring person."
Several mourners were inconsolable when a video Diab made prior to leaving for Afghanistan was played. He had asked a friend to play the video at his funeral, in case he didn't return alive.
A written message from Diab, visible in the video, reads, "Don't cry, because I'll see you tomorrow."
The Mississauga soldier was killed March 8 by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City, less than a month before his scheduled return home. He's the 112th Canadian soldier to die during the Afghan mission since 2002.
The impact Diab had on people's lives was evident at the church as friends and members of his youth camp spoke about what a great leader, joker and compassionate person he was.
Diab's girlfriend, Mary Barakat, 21, was supposed to give the eulogy, but was too distraught to speak. She and Diab were supposed to be engaged this summer.
Barakat's father, Charbel, told mourners Diab was fearless, but well-respected at the same time.
"Your dream of peace and your love for everybody didn't change," he said, staring at the casket. "You helped in the most difficult way. You enlisted as a soldier."
From his time at St. Joseph Secondary School, until his death, Diab was known for taking charge of a situation, putting other people's interests and safety before his own, family members said.
Diab is also survived by two older sisters. His parents moved the family to Canada from Lebanon in 2000 in search of a better life, away from political instability.
Diab will be buried later today at Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, on Tomken Rd.
lrosella@mississauga.net

 

Funeral for Mississauga, Ont. soldier killed in Afghanistan
TORONTO — 17/03/09/Friends and family will bid their final farewells today to a fallen Canadian soldier from Mississauga, Ont.
The funeral for Trooper Marc Diab is scheduled to take place at a Lebanese church in Toronto. Diab, 22, was killed on March 8 in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb detonated near his armoured vehicle, wounding four other soldiers.
Jihan Diab says her son dreamed of a military career from the time he was a boy in war-torn Lebanon and wanted to bring peace to the world.
The family moved to Canada in 2000.
Diab was the 112th Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission since 2002.
He was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa in Ontario near the Quebec border.
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
 

Fallen trooper brought home
By: John Bkila
Mississauga News
March 16, 2009 Hundreds lined the Highway of Heroes as Marc Diab's flag-draped coffin was brought home to Mississauga today from Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
It was taken to Scott's Funeral Home on Dundas St. for a viewing, with the funeral to be held tomorrow morning.
A seemingly endless flow of people made their way to the funeral home this evening to pay their last respects to the fallen trooper.
"It was indescribable. He really is a hero," said Rebecca Lahoud, of the crowds lining the overpasses. The 22-year-old met Diab years ago through friends and drove here from Ottawa.
Ossama Kariakos, 21, who met Diab in 2004 when they were leaders together at a camp run by Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Toronto, said he was shocked and speechless when he heard Diab was killed.
"I had heard by phone and I didn't believe it," he said. "I was talking to him two days before it happened."
Stephanie Deeck reminisced about how Diab had nicknamed their large group of friends the 'Why' group.
"Because there was no real connection or reason why we all became friends, it just happened," said the 19-year-old Mississauga resident. "He was a really funny guy."
Diab’s crew commander, Sgt. Steve Slade of D Squadron Royal Canadian Dragoons, attended the viewing. He was at the scene when Diab was killed March 8 by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City.
"I was initially shocked, but you put that aside and deal with it as it occurred," said Slade. "But once everything set in, it was shock, disbelief."
Slade spoke of the flood of support Diab's family received from those who knew him and even those who didn't.
"The amount of support from the police, the fire department, and the civilians on the overpass ... it really is overwhelming," he said.
Lahoud said she was not surprised.
"He's the type of person that you meet him once and you never forget him," she said.
jbkila@mississauga.net

Funeral for fallen soldier tomorrow
By: Louie Rosella lMarch 16, 2009
The Mississauga News
Trooper Marc Diab will be laid to rest tomorrow in Mississauga.
The funeral for the fallen Mississauga soldier will be held at Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Toronto, at 10 a.m.
A private ceremony will follow at Diab's final resting place at Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, on Tomken Rd.
Tonight, a viewing for Diab will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Scott Funeral Home on Dundas St. E. in Mississauga.
Diab was killed on March 7 in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City, less than a month before his scheduled return home. He's the 112th Canadian soldier to die during the Afghanistan mission, since 2002, and the fourth to die in less than a week.
Four other Canadian soldiers were wounded in the bomb attack.
Diab is survived by his parents and two older sisters. His parents moved the family to Canada from Lebanon in 2000 in search of a better life, away from political instability. lrosella@mississauga.net

Service honours fallen soldier
By: John Bkila
Misissauga News
March 15, 2009 - Not a single pew was empty tonight  (13 March 09), at Our Lady of Lebanon church in Toronto as family and friends gathered at a memorial service for Marc Diab, Mississauga's only Canadian soldier to have died in the ongoing Afghanistan mission.
"Remembering him as a hero is keeping us strong," said brother-in-law Fadi Diab. "By praying, it's helped the family take some of the pain off our shoulders."
On an alter lit with candles and draped in purple for the Easter season, the Canadian and Lebanese flags stood side-by-side, representing the two countries Diab loved.
"He always wanted to be a soldier and fight for peace for everyone," said Fadi Diab.
Father Emmanuel Nakhle spoke to the congregation in arabic of how this Easter season would be made even more special as they would be celebrating Diab's life.
Nakhle said we've all become one family, the congregation, the community, and the Canadian Armed Forces, by remembering Diab.
The service included children from a camp run by the church where Diab volunteered.
One teary-eyed girl could not get through her poem "Dear Hero," before becoming to overwhelmed with emotion to finish.
Another one of Diab's campers spoke of how Diab had taught them to adapt and overcome.
"To do our hero justice, we all must do the same now," she said.
The memorial service ended with a boy singing, "They gave their lives for country and home, in fields far away, at times alone. They proved their love, their duty too, fighting for freedom for me and you."
Diab's mother, Jihan, said her son's story is one that everyone should hear.
"I am very proud to be his mother," she said.
Diab was killed Sunday by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City. He is the 112th Canadian soldier to die during the Afghan mission since 2002, and the fourth to die in less than a week.
jbkila@missisauga.net

Don Martin: A Canadian tradition that brings out the best
Posted: March 13, 2009, 
by Ron Nurwisah
Don Martin, afghanistan
From the first glimpse of flashing police escorts to the last black vehicle flashing under the Highway 401 overpass, the funeral procession takes only half a silence-filled minute to pass.
Yet they start gathering an hour in advance for a unique tradition Canadians have embraced to salute their fallen soldiers — and there’s growing international pressure for other military powers to follow suit.
They were shivering in a brisk wind on Highway of Heroes overpasses again this week, the general public joining firefighters standing atop an aerial truck and flag-bearing war veterans as the body of Trooper Marc Diab, Canada’s 112th dead soldier, was whisked from Trenton air base to the coroner’s office in Toronto.
This picturesque town of 6,300 an hour’s drive east of Toronto was among the first whose firefighters took to the bridge to flash their lights as the procession flew by. The Legion branch joined in almost immediately and now upwards of 200 Brighton locals turn up for every fallen soldier’s repatriation convoy.
Truck horns blare from below at crowds waiting on a bridge curb given a special night-before clearing by the town. Many are regulars who have never missed a soldier’s final voyage, taking time off work in fair and foul weather to wave Maple Leaf flags.
And as the hearse goes by, flags snapping in the wind over Canada’s busiest highway is all you hear as locals crane their necks for glimpses of family members waving. As Trooper Diab’s convoy rushed below Thursday, a stretch limousine window was open, one sad face looking upward at the blurred spectacle of so many strangers waving back.
The concept of overpass sentinels is starting to spread. Large crowds are taking to Toronto overpasses and hundreds turned up last week on the far side of the metropolis as a soldier was transported home to the Niagara region.
The goose-bumping power of this salute is rooted in the spontaneous simplicity of its creation and growth.
The military has always had a multi-leveled protocol to prevent fallen soldiers from just fading away. There’s a private soldier visitation for close comrades outside the morgue in Kandahar, the larger military ramp ceremony sendoff at the airfield and the repatriation service at Trenton.
Only the overpass salute inserts general public participation into the lineup.
Brighton TD Canada Trust mortgages manager Greg Kobold comes from a long military heritage and has witnessed the soldier procession about 20 times.
He keeps hoping every one is his last.
“I tear up every time and I guarantee I’ll do it today because I know it’s such a great loss for the families. Look at me,” he says, suddenly blinking hard. “I’m choking up right now just thinking about it.”
“It’s to show respect for the family and how much we appreciate their loss. I just can’t imagine going through what they have,” says Yvonne Connolly as she waited for the hearse to drive by Thursday in a howling north wind.
“I don’t care how cold it is, I try to make it here,” adds senior Vera Mead. “It makes me want to cry. It’s very sad with so many leaving all these young kids behind.”
She pauses at the question of how witnessing so many returning dead makes her feel about Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. “They should come home,” Mrs. Mead says finally. “I think they should quit fighting. It’s a losing battle. But I’ll always be here to support the families.”
Perhaps it’s the sheer volume of casualties in other countries, but there’s nothing comparable to Canada’s multi-staged treatment of its fallen anywhere in the world.
The London Evening Standard last year ran contrasting photos of Canadian versus British treatment of the fallen, heaping shame on how the hearses bearing U.K. soldiers are only escorted by the undertaker’s vehicle and usually get stuck in traffic.
The Highway of Heroes story has been covered by CNN and Newsweek magazine last month noted that “Canada may have an answer” with its overpass salutes as an option for Americans trying to respect family privacy while allowing the public to observe the human cost of combat.
Under media pressure, President Barack Obama has ordered a review of the country’s hidden and heartless U.S. casualty repatriation policy. Dead American soldiers now return home to a camera ban at the air base and are hustled off without ceremony to the mortuary and onward to burial. Photos of U.S. flag-draped coffins are almost always unauthorized.
Perhaps foreign military and political leaders who fear public displays of honour and respect for the fallen will become a public relations headache should stand in the blustery winter winds of a 401 overpass just once after a fallen soldier goes home.
They would quickly come to the conclusion that, when it comes to honouring its military dead, the world needs more Canada.
National Post
dmartin@nationalpost.com

Body of Trooper Marc Diab returns to Canada
Mar 12, 2009 04:50 PM
THE CANADIAN PRESS
CFB TRENTON, Ont. – The 112th Canadian soldier to die on the Afghanistan mission returned home today amid respectful applause from dozens of friends and family members who gathered on the tarmac of this eastern Ontario military base on a windy and frigid afternoon.
After the casket carrying the remains of Trooper Marc Diab was lowered from a military aircraft, the supporters, numbering about 85, huddled around a hearse, exchanging hugs and clapping their hands to pay their respects.
Diab, 22, of Mississauga, died Sunday after an improvised explosive device detonated near the armoured vehicle he was riding in while patrolling the Shah Wali Kot district, northeast of Kandahar city. He was member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based at CFB Petawawa, Ont.
The repatriation ceremony for Diab came less than a week after the remains of three other soldiers – Warrant Officer Dennis Brown, Cpl. Dany Fortin and Cpl. Kenneth O'Quinn – were returned to CFB Trenton.
Many supporters who regularly attend repatriations said today it was emotional to return for another ceremony so soon.
About 100 people braved the weather to line a fence outside the tarmac of the base, with many of them holding Canadian flags that whipped about in the stiff wind.
"It's tough all the time to come out," said Ed Melanson, a member of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit, who lives in Kingston.
"But maybe Trooper Diab will be the last one. I can only hope."
Joe Gallant, who lives in Trenton, said he regularly attends repatriation ceremonies.
"When you leave you say to the person next to you, `I hope I don't see you again,' and you go home and it starts all over again," he said.
But Gallant, a retired member of the military and the father of a son who has served in Afghanistan, feels Canadians should stay in the country until the mission is complete.
"If you cut and run now, it's a waste of these deaths," he said. "My personal opinion is we have to stay the duration."
Lianne Durant, also of Trenton, attended the ceremony with her sons Jordan, 14, and Connor, 12.
She said Jordan hopes to enrol at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston when he completes high school, and she believed attending a repatriation ceremony would be a good life lesson for him.
"It's too bad they have to make this sacrifice," she said. "I hope I'm not on the other side of the fence one day."
 

Canadian soldier of Lebanese Descent was killed on Sunday in Afghanistan by roadside bomb
Sun. Mar. 8 2009
CTV.ca News & News Agencies
A Canadian soldier (Lebanese Descent) has been killed and four injured when a roadside bomb exploded near their armoured vehicle while on patrol northeast of Kandahar city Sunday. Trooper Marc Diab from the Royal Canadian Dragoons has been identified as the slain solider. Diab, 22, was a member of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group. The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility at the Kandahar airfield and are all in stable condition, the military says. They will be transported soon to a U.S. military hospital in Germany.
The incident occurred in the Shah Wali Kot district, a mountainous region known as a Taliban transit point, at about 1:15 p.m. Kandahar time.
Diab is the 112th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. A Canadian diplomat and two Canadian aid workers have also been killed over the course of the insurgency. Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said the young soldier died in "pursuit of a noble goal."
Marc's family immigrated to Canada from the Southern City of Ain Ebel and since than have been residing in Mississauga -Ontario

Message from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on the death of Trooper Marc Diab
 updated 5:30 p.m. ET, Sun., March. 8, 2009
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - My husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond, and I were deeply saddened to receive word of the death of Trooper Marc Diab with The Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, and of the injuries sustained by four soldiers from a roadside blast during their patrol in the Sha Wali Kot District, located north-east from Kandahar. Despite the ever-present threat of violence and the inherent risk of the task at hand, our Canadian Forces members continue to pursue justice in a land scarred by violence and chaos. They believe that the Afghan people are entitled to the same dignity and freedom from fear we often take for granted, and which come at great cost. Behind Trooper Diab stands the entire Canadian military family: mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, children and siblings, colleagues and comrades-at-arms. Today, we join with them and our thoughts are also with the injured. We wish them a swift and complete recovery. Rest assured that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed, and that your contributions will not be forgotten.

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
March 08, 2009
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the death of Trooper Marc Diab:
"On behalf of Canadians and of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Trooper Marc Diab, who died while serving in Afghanistan. I also send wishes for a speedy recovery to his four fellow soldiers who were injured on patrol conducting security operations.
Trooper Marc Diab paid the ultimate price serving his country. His life and death serves as an example of the bravery and outstanding dedication of Canadian Forces members on this mission. Canada and its allies in this UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission are helping the people of Afghanistan rebuild and redevelop their country after decades of war and turmoil. The Government of Canada is particularly proud of the incredible work being performed by our Canadian Forces members in Afghanistan. We are committed to supporting them as they forge ahead towards creating a lawful, democratic and self-sufficient Afghanistan."

Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the Death of Trooper Marc Daib
Updated 6:26 p.m. ET, Sun., March. 8, 2009
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Gateway, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan:
"We mourn the death of Trooper Marc Daib who died today in Afghanistan. We also extend our wishes for a prompt recovery to his four comrades injured in the same incident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their friends and families at this difficult time.
These Canadian Forces members were conducting security operations in the Shah Wali Kot District, approximately 15 kilometres from Kandahar, when an improvised explosive device detonated near the armoured vehicle in which they were traveling.
The Government of Canada is committed to this difficult UN-sanctioned, NATO-led mission, and I am proud of the Canadian Forces' dedication to it. The sacrifices of these soldiers will not be forgotten and this tragic incident will not deter us from helping Afghans to reclaim their country."
Trooper Marc Daib was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based at CFB Petawawa.
Contacts:
Information: 1-866-377-0811
After hours: 613-792-2973
www.forces.gc.ca
© MarketWire 2009

Statement by Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Official Opposition, on the loss a Canadian soldier in Afghanistan
Media Releases
March 8, 2009
It is with great sadness that Canadians learned of the death of Trooper Marc Diab who was killed in the line of duty today in Afghanistan.
Trooper Diab, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed when his armoured vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar. Four Canadian soldiers were also injured in the attack. The loss of Trooper Diab comes mere days after we mourned the deaths of three brave Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan last week. It is a stark reminder of the grave risk and the unparalleled sacrifice the men and women of our Canadian Forces are prepared to make in service to our country. We are grateful to all of our military families and we thank them for their dedication to achieving peace and stability for Afghanistan and the region.
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary caucus, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Trooper Diab and to the entire armed forces family at this sad time. Our thoughts are also with the injured soldiers and we wish them a full recovery.

Soldier's body returns home.
Canwest News ServiceMarch 11, 2009
TRENTON, Ont. - The body of the latest Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan will return to Canada Thursday.
Trooper Marc Diab, 22, was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle during a patrol near Kandahar City, March 8. His body will land at Canadian Forces Base Trenton at 2 p.m.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Defence Minister Peter MacKay will attend the ceremony in Trenton along with Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walter Natynczyk.
Diab was the fourth Canadian to die in less than a week from roadside bombs. He was on a security patrol in the Shah Wali Kot District, a mountainous region that is usually somewhat safer than the western part of the province.
Roadside bombs or improvised explosive devices continue to be the insurgents' weapon of choice here, killing 16 Canadians since September. IED attacks were up sharply in the latter part of 2008 over the previous year, but Canadians say they are foiling a greater percentage.
Diab is the 112th soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. A diplomat and two aid workers have also died.
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

Hundreds mourn fallen soldier at candlelight vigil
Mar 11, 2009 
Nick Aveling
Toronto Star - Ontario, Canada
STAFF REPORTER
It is a perfectly forgettable suburban street, but Pedalina Dr. was a major thoroughfare in the life of Trooper Marc Diab.
Fitting, then, that hundreds of mourners followed the same route that connected the 22-year-old to his girlfriend of six years in a candlelight vigil earlier tonight.
"We are connected to Mary's house spiritually," said Diab's father Hani Diab from his Mississauga home. His son, who was killed Sunday by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, had planned to propose to Mary Barakat when he returned to Canada late this month. The couple lived only a block apart.
Hundreds of mourners, mostly members of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, packed the street. Heads bowed and illuminated by candles, they recited the Lord's Prayer in Lebanese and English as they moved toward the Diab home.
Priest Emmanuel Nakhle led the prayer from in front of the group.
"Marc was a very active member of our church. He was a youth leader who used to organize our summer camps and activities," he said. "He worked hard for the community. Whatever we do will not compensate for this loss."
A reception was held in the Diab home following the vigil.
"There are people here in my house that I don't even know, from all over Canada, who came to offer their condolences," said Hani Diab. "He was all about uniting people together, and by dying as a hero, he has done what he had to do."
Hani Diab was away on business when he received news of Marc's death.
"I was alone, I was desperate, I was afraid," he said. "I was proud to see his picture in the paper when I got back, but it's painful. I want to see a picture of his marriage there."
Dona Nassif, who took part in the vigil, is not a member of the Diabs' church. Nonetheless, she said she was compelled to show her support.
"I live in the neighbourhood and I'm also Lebanese background," she said. "It brings the war in Afghanistan home a little bit when we see casualties taking place so close to home. Sometimes when they're on TV it's two-dimensional, but when it happens to someone that we know of in flesh and blood it gives us a whole new dimension."
Diab's body will return to Canada on Thursday afternoon. Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Defence Minister Peter MacKay are expected to be on hand when the plane lands at CFB Trenton.
Diab is the 112th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan.
With files from the Canadian Press
 

Army running on empty
Broken-down vehicles pile up in Canada as Afghanwar sparks equipment 'crisis'
Need 100 more mechanics, general says
Mar 10, 2009 04:30 AM
Comments on this story (2)
Bruce Campion-Smith
OTTAWA BUREAU CHIEF
OTTAWA – The army's fleet of armoured vehicles, battered by the demands of the Afghanistan mission, is in a state of "crisis," the head of the army says.
Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, chief of the land staff, said up to three-quarters of some specialty vehicles used for training in Canada are sidelined by maintenance woes.
"We are running out of time to keep your army functioning the way that it should because our vehicle breakage rates are now far higher than I've ever seen them," Leslie warned senators yesterday
"We've been run hard now for seven years. And the places where we run our equipment is pretty rough and ... the enemy is attacking our equipment," Leslie said.
The equipment woes, coupled with a shortage of senior personnel, may force the army to take a one-year "operational break" to rebuild starting in July 2011, once the current commitment in Afghanistan is over, Leslie said.
Despite the pause, Leslie said the army still would be ready to respond to emergencies if called upon. "We will always be prepared to carry out our various national and international tasks," he told the Senate defence committee.
But it was the sad state of the army's equipment that was in the spotlight yesterday as Leslie said he might need more money to get the vehicles up and running again.
Wear-and-tear and insurgent attacks have created a demand for replacement vehicles in Afghanistan, depleting the stocks of serviceable vehicles in Canada to the point where 70 per cent of some fleets are unusable.
Last month, 33 per cent of the army's light-armoured vehicles (LAVs) were out of service, along with 76 per cent of its reconnaissance Coyotes, 100 per cent of its tracked light-armoured vehicles (TLAVs), 73 per cent of its multi-purpose Bisons and 71 per cent of its Leopard 1 tanks, Leslie said.
And as more vehicles break down, he added, fewer are available for soldiers to train on before deploying to Afghanistan.
"We are not in a position to repair them because we don't have enough mechanics and technicians," Leslie said, noting that the army is short about 100 mechanics.
"This situation is extremely serious because the number and types of equipment that have to be repaired and replaced continues to increase at a rapid pace," he said.
Conservative Senator Pierre Claude Nolin said he was "stunned" to hear the figures.
"It's fine to buy equipment but if we don't have mechanics and technicians to maintain that equipment ... then we have a very serious problem," Nolin said.
Part of the wear-and-tear is the weight of the extra armour that has been added to the vehicles to help shield troops from the weapon of choice of Afghan insurgents – the roadside bomb.
Leslie said evolving techniques have saved "dozens of human lives. However, it is clear that in many cases we have reached the limit of our ability to add protection to our vehicles," he said.
But as the army struggles with its equipment woes, Leslie also revealed that 40 state-of-the-art Leopard 2A6M tanks are sitting in Montreal – unavailable for use – because Ottawa has yet to issue the contract for the vehicles to be refurbished.
The vehicles, bought second-hand from the Netherlands, have to be retrofitted to Canadian specifications. But a clearly frustrated Leslie was at a loss to explain the delay in getting the sophisticated tanks into use. While 20 of the new tanks are on the front lines in Afghanistan, Leslie is keen to get the 40 other tanks into service in Canada to train troops.
"I do not yet have my hands on those Leopard 2s with which to train our soldiers," he said.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay said yesterday the government intends to get the Leopard 2s into action expeditiously, The Canadian Press reports.

Attack suggests Taliban spreading reach
In a region where insurgent strikes were once infrequent, roadside bomb kills Trooper Marc Diab, a solider who joined the Canadian Forces less than a decade after fleeing war-torn Lebanon
Article Video Comments GREG MCARTHUR AND GLORIA GALLOWAY
From Monday's Globe and Mail
March 9, 2009
TORONTO and KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN — When Marc Diab fled his native Lebanon as a teenager in 2000, he was too young to pick up a gun and fight back.
The Israeli military was leaving war-torn Southern Lebanon, Hezbollah was eagerly moving in, and Mr. Diab's parents decided to expedite their exit to the Toronto suburb of Mississauga.
And so it came as no surprise to anyone in Mississauga's close-knit Lebanese community when, after less than a decade in his new home, Mr. Diab enlisted with the Canadian Forces.
“Maybe it comes back from the old days. Maybe he thought they had to leave the country there – so he had to defend this one,” Charbel Barakat, the father of Mr. Diab's long-time girlfriend, said Sunday, just hours after learning that Mr. Diab, 22, had been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.
Trooper Diab, who served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont., is the 112th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan. He is the fourth soldier to die in the week since Prime Minister Stephen Harper acknowledged on U.S. national television that he believes Canada is “never going to defeat the insurgency.”
While the spate of four fatalities does not mark the first time Canadian soldiers have been killed in that part of Kandahar province, the fertile north has traditionally been more resistant to the Taliban than other regions.
The attacks suggest the insurgents are preparing to stretch their reach beyond the broad expanses of Kandahar that they have already reclaimed since their government was overthrown in 2001.
Trooper Diab was participating in security operations in the Shah Wali Kot district Sunday afternoon when the armoured vehicle in which he was riding was rocked by a powerful blast. Four other Canadians were wounded. All were listed in stable condition last night but three will be evacuated to Germany for further treatment.
Last Tuesday, three Canadian soldiers died when their vehicle ran over an explosive device in the Arghandab district, which lies between Shah Wali Kot and Kandahar city.
Gen. Vance said the military does all it can to protect its soldiers and the citizens of Afghanistan from the bombs produced and planted by the Taliban. But “it is a challenge. And we are working on a broad front that includes use of equipment, use of tactics and an appeal to the people of Kandahar province, the political leadership, their security forces, to be energized on this fight against IEDs,” he told reporters.
“It is how the insurgency is manifesting itself. And a call to rid the IEDs is similar to a call to rid the province of the insurgency. It's not quite that simple but we're working on it.”
The mountainous region just to the north of Shah Wali Kot is held by the Taliban, some of whom have been known to rest there between periods of fighting. The southern part of the district where Trooper Diab was killed is a known transit route for the insurgency but has not been prime territory for attacks in previous years.
In fact, Sunday's explosion occurred between Kandahar city and a forward operating base that has been established by the Canadians.
“We are patrolling heavily in that area,” said Brigadier-General Jonathan Vance, the officer commanding Joint Task Force Afghanistan. “This is an area of the province, particularly Arghandab, that's got a lot going for it. It's got a relatively homogeneous population. It's got fertile land for farming. It's got every reason to resist the insurgency. And thus far it has. But 2009 will be a year that the insurgency tries harder, as do we. And I think you are seeing that manifesting itself.”
Attacks by the Taliban traditionally increase in frequency as the weather grows warmer. March is not normally a particularly violent month. But statistics show the insurgents have conducted far more operations this year than they had by this time last year, and last year was worse than the year before – all of which suggests these incidents could be precursors to a particularly bloody summer.
Still, Gen. Vance said he doesn't think the deadly bombings of last week and Sunday indicate an earlier start to the fighting season.
“We've got a reasonably good eye on what's going on with the insurgency,” he said. “I think that the fighting season will certainly come. But that phrase is a little artificial. They never really stop fighting.”
Trooper Diab was described by his comrades as a small guy with a big heart who was loved to play soccer and to drive his jeep through the countryside.
He “was an energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated soldier who loved to joke around and make people laugh,” Gen. Vance said.
“He was very family-oriented and extremely close to his mother Jihan and girlfriend Mary,” Gen. Vance said. “He brought joy and laughter to his friends and was deeply involved and committed to his church and youth group activities. … He would give you the world if he had it.”
Trooper Diab's Lebanese roots informed much of what he did in his new Canadian life. He was a regular at Toronto's Our Lady of Lebanon Church. He spent a few weeks every summer volunteering as a camp counsellor for the church, where he taught outdoor survival skills that he first picked up as a Boy Scout in his Lebanese village of Ain-Ebel.
He was a talented keyboard player, and he was equally adept at playing a traditional Lebanese song in Arabic as he was at hammering out a Top-40 hit, Mr. Barakat said. His most prized possession – next to his girlfriend Mary Barakat – was his jeep, which, in one Internet posting, he referred to as his “2nd baby.”
Much of his military training in Petawawa was documented on his personal website, including a video of a training exercise set to the song Desert Rose by ex-Police lead singer Sting.
His commitment to Lebanon also featured prominently on the Web. In 2002, he posted on Leb.org, a networking site for Lebanese expatriates around the world, about how difficult it was being separated from his native country.
“Feeling lonely is only the first stop … but getting to wait and knowing that your [sic] waiting to go back is the hard part … I am coming back … I promise … cause I was born to be a soldier … soldier of freedom,” he wrote.

Trooper Marc Diab

 By Archie McLean 03-09-2009 COMMENTS(0) Assignment Afghanistan
More sad news yesterday

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A Canadian soldier died Sunday and four others were seriously injured when a roadside improvised explosive device or IED exploded near their vehicle in Shah Wali Kot District, north of Kandahar City.

It is the second time in less than a week Canadians have died north of the city as a result of IEDs, which continue to exact a grim toll on soldiers here.

Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from The Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in the incident. He serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont.

- The Globe and Mail tracked down some people who knew Diab in Toronto. According to the story, he and his family fled Lebanon less than a decade ago.

- Canada.com has set-up a book of condolences

- Sometimes it takes a while for details of an incident and its aftermath to trickle out. Sapper Sean Greenfield died here in late January and his aunt has written a powerful article for her hometown paper. It's worth a read.

Sean was the star of our family. He was a tall, movie-star-good-looking young man, always a beautiful smile on his face, 25 years old. I can still remember the night his parents called to tell us of his birth....

...Sean was at the end of a mission to disrupt Taliban bomb-making facilities when he was killed. One of the four other soldiers in the vehicle said he was tired of driving, so Sean said, “I'll drive.” That other soldier survived and called Sean's parents, extremely distraught, saying it should have been him who was killed.

- In unrelated news, they made some military aviation history here on Saturday by flying the first ever combat mission with Canadian troops in Canadian helicopters.

"We're sacrificing some great soldiers here, but it's not in vain"
Col. Milner says Petawawa has suffered a difficult week with the loss of three soldiers
Posted By SEAN CHASE
March 09/09
Petawawa has been through a difficult week with the losses of three soldiers in southern Afghanistan, Col. Dean Milner, commander of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, said Monday.
Speaking to reporters at the brigade's headquarters, Col. Milner acknowledged it's been a tough few days for the families of the fallen soldiers and those at home worrying about their loved ones deployed overseas.
Sunday, Trooper Marc Diab, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed by a roadside bomb during a security patrol northeast of Kandahar City. The 22-year-old soldier who hailed from Mississauga, Ontario was on his first tour of Afghanistan.
"Trooper Diab was a great soldier, a tremendous soldier who was extremely well-liked by his fellow Dragoons," said Col. Milner. "We all share in the loss of this fantastic young man who loved his family and serving his country."
In a statement from the commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Lt.-Col. Marty Frank called Trooper Diab a remarkable young soldier who had a passion for life and for helping others.
"Trooper Marc Diab was a fine crewman and we will miss him," said Lt.-Col. Frank. "The regimental family stands together with the Diab family during this terrible time of loss and we will provide whatever support we can."
The repatriation ceremony for Trooper Diab will be Wednesday at CFB Trenton. Maj. Derek Adams, Deputy Commanding Officer for the RCD, and Chief Warrant Officer Don Head, the unit's regimental sergeant-major, will attend the ceremony on behalf of the base.
The past few days have been tragic for the base as it copes with the loss of three soldiers within less than a week. Last Tuesday, Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn, 25, from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters and Signals Squadron, and Warrant Officer Dennis Brown, 38, a member of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, died when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near the armoured vehicle they were travelling in. The blast also killed Cpl. Dany Oliver Fortin, from CFB Bagotville's 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron.
Col. Milner noted that Warrant Officer Brown had been attached to the brigade for deployment pre-training and the mission, while Cpl. Fortin attended some of the training at Fort Bliss, Texas and Wainwright, Alberta. The men were part of the Joint Task Force Afghanistan Task Force Counter IED Unit.
"We're sacrificing some great soldiers here but it's not in vain," said Col. Milner. "We can make Afghanistan a better place."
He noted the Taliban is increasingly using IEDs as its main weapon against Canadian and NATO forces in the volatile southern Afghanistan region. While the soldiers are well-trained when it comes to finding and dealing with these explosive devices, roadside bombs remain a hidden threat cannot always be detected.

GTA soldier was weeks away from new life
Nick Aveling
STAFF REPORTER
The Canadian Press
Mar 09, 2009
Trooper Marc Diab was done with war. But war was not done with him.
"He said he was getting tired," said Diab's brother-in-law, Fadi Diab. "He was supposed to propose to his girlfriend as soon as he got back. We were going to help him get an apartment, help him start his life."
That was until yesterday, when the 22-year-old Mississauga resident was killed by a roadside bomb north of Kandahar City, less than a month before his scheduled return home. He is the 112th Canadian soldier to die during the Afghan mission since 2002, and the fourth to die in less than a week. Four other Canadian soldiers were wounded.
Diab's girlfriend, 21-year-old Mary Barakat, was among dozens of mourners gathered at the Diab family's Mississauga home last night. Wearing his old dog tags and wrestling with the past tense, Barakat smiled through her tears as she remembered the pair's relationship.
"It will be six years in August," she said. "We were supposed to get engaged this summer. He told me he was coming at the end of April, but apparently it was supposed to be a surprise and he's coming at the end of March."
Barakat described an "amazing guy" who always tried his hardest to make friends and family smile.
"Of course he's going to be mad at us now that everybody's crying," she said.
Diab is survived by his parents and two older sisters, as well as a niece and nephew. His parents moved the family to Canada from Lebanon in 2000 in search of a better life away from political instability. As long as his sister, Jessica, and brother-in-law Fadi Diab can remember, he had always wanted to be a soldier.
"I feel he would be happy knowing that he did what he had wanted to do all his life ... even if we do not feel the same way," said 28-year-old Jessica Diab.
Diab's mother, who last night cradled and kissed a picture of her son, was less keen.
"In Lebanon, if you're the only boy they won't send you to the army, but he made the decision and we all supported him because we wanted him to achieve his dreams and goals in life," Fadi Diab said.
The attack on Diab's armoured vehicle happened around 1:15 p.m. local time in the southern portion of Shah Wali Kot district. It is in the same general vicinity as a major Canadian forward operating base, an outpost which guards the Dahla dam, one of Ottawa's signature reconstruction projects.
The casualties came one day after Canadian and U.S. troops launched a daring airborne assault – without injury – on a suspected Taliban command centre and supply hub in western Kandahar province.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, paid tribute to Diab, saying the young soldier died in ``pursuit of a noble goal" – the desire to transform an "unstable and impoverished country into a secure and self-sufficient nation."
All four wounded soldiers are reported in stable condition and three of them will be evacuated to a U.S. Army hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, for further care.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered condolences to Diab's family and friends, and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded soldiers.
"Trooper Marc Diab paid the ultimate price serving his country. His life and death serves as an example of the bravery and outstanding dedication of Canadian Forces members on this mission," Harper said.
Just last week three other soldiers – Warrant Officer Dennis Raymond Brown, Cpl. Dany Olivier Fortin and Cpl. Kenneth Chad O'Quinn – were killed in a roadside bombing in Arghandab, northwest of Kandahar City.
Diab, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons based in Petawawa, Ont., was an active member of Toronto's Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, where he organized a summer camp for children in the congregation.
"He's over there fighting in a war, and the only thing he can think about is how he's going to make this camp even better than last camp," said Barakat.
Carlos Elchami, 15, was a member of the camp. He said Diab taught his campers about first aid, and how to survive in the bush. "He had a great heart," said Elchami.
With files from The Canadian Press

Latest Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan begins final journey home
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Before Trooper Marc Diab left for Afghanistan early last fall, friends set up a Facebook site to wish him well.
It was simply entitled: Come Home Safe Marc Diab.
"This group is just a small way to say thanks to him and to show him we support him and all pray for a safe return," reads the description.
"Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Marc we all miss you. Come home safe and sound."
His comrades offered prayers of a different sort Monday as at least 2,000 NATO soldiers gathered on the tarmac at Kandahar Airfield to bid farewell to Diab, the latest Canadian soldier to be killed fighting in Afghanistan.
"Courage defines what we do and who we are," said Capt. Roy Laudenorio, the battle group padre for 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, based in Petawawa, Ont. "Memory is a gift and may those who knew and loved Marc Diab find comfort in the memory of him as a man of courage, a hero and the builder of a new world."
Short in stature, the 22-year-old Lebanese immigrant was remembered for his big heart and the joy and laughter he brought to the lives of those around him.

Canadian soldier killed by roadside bomb
Updated Sun. Mar. 8 2009
CTV.ca News Staff
A Canadian soldier has been killed and four others injured when a roadside bomb exploded near their armoured vehicle while on patrol northeast of Kandahar city Sunday.
Trooper Marc Diab from the Royal Canadian Dragoons has been identified as the slain soldier. Diab, 22, was a member of the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, based out of Petawawa, Ont.
The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility at the Kandahar airfield and are all in stable condition, the military says. They will be moved shortly to a U.S. military hospital in Germany.
The incident occurred in the Shah Wali Kot district, a mountainous region known as a Taliban transit point, at about 1:15 p.m. Kandahar time.
Reporting from Afghanistan, the Globe and Mail's Gloria Galloway said that while all areas of the country are dangerous, the region the Canadian soldiers were killed in was considered "somewhat resistant" to the Taliban.
"Frankly, economically the people there are a little bit better off," she told CTV Newsnet Sunday.
Galloway said the area north of the incident is known as a "Taliban bastion" and the soldiers could have been going to or returning from that area.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to the family of Diab. In a statement, the prime minister said Diab paid the ultimate price for serving his country.
He said Diab was an example of the "bravery and outstanding dedication" of the Canadian Forces
Harper also wished the injured soldiers a quick recovery.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, the commander of Canadian troops in Afghanistan, said the young soldier died in "pursuit of a noble goal."
Vance said Diab was an "energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated soldier, who loved to joke around and make people laugh."
"His friends and comrades describe him as having a large heart for such a small guy. He would give you the world if he had it," he said.
Vance said Diab was very family-orientated and was extremely close to his mother and girlfriend.
"He was avid soccer player who loved sports and outdoor activities," Vance added.
Diab is the 112th Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan. A Canadian diplomat and two Canadian aid workers have also been killed over the course of the insurgency.

Le Canada perd un autre soldat
Mise à jour le dimanche 8 mars 2009
PartagerImprimer
/HO/Forces canadiennes
Un soldat canadien a été tué et quatre autres ont été blessés par l'explosion d'une bombe en bordure de route dimanche vers 13 h 15, heure de l'Afghanistan.
Le soldat Marc Diab, 22 ans, effectuait une patrouille dans le district de Shah Wali Kot, au nord de Kandahar, à bord d'un véhicule blindé. Cette région montagneuse est reconnue comme un point d'entrée pour les insurgés talibans dans le sud du pays.
Marc Diab appartenait au régiment des Royal Canadian Dragoons de la base de Petawawa, en Ontario. Il est le 112e militaire canadien à mourir en Afghanistan depuis le début de la mission canadienne, en 2002. Un diplomate et deux travailleurs humanitaires canadiens ont aussi perdu la vie dans ce pays.
Le brigadier-général Jonathan Vance, commandant des troupes canadiennes en Afghanistan, lui a rendu hommage, affirmant qu'il avait péri dans « la poursuite d'un objectif noble » - la volonté de transformer un pays pauvre et instable en une nation sûre et autonome.
Le premier ministre Stephen Harper et la gouverneure générale Michaëlle Jean ont offert leurs condoléances aux proches du disparu, ainsi que leurs voeux de prompt rétablissement aux blessés.
Les quatre autres soldats sont dans un état stable. Trois d'entre eux devraient être évacués vers un hôpital de l'armée américaine en Allemagne pour des soins plus poussés.
Environ 2700 soldats canadiens sont déployés en Afghanistan, au sein de la Force internationale d'assistance à la sécurité (ISAF), qui compte en tout plus de 56 400 militaires.

WCCR Release: Condolences to the Family, Friends & Canadians on the Death of Lebanese Canadian Marc Diab‏
Cedars Revolution (cedarsrevolutionnews@gmail.com)
Sunday, 08 March 2009
Lebanese Canadian, Military Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in an IED attack today in Afghanistan. He was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group based in Petawawa, Ont. The soldiers were conducting security operations in the mountainous region of Sha Wali Kot district — a known entry point for Taliban Terrorists — when the explosion occurred at about 1:15 p.m. local time on Sunday(Department of National Defence)
The WCCR extends its condolences today to the Diab Family of Lebanese Canadian, Military Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from the Royal Canadian Dragoons who was killed in an IED attack today in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends, Canadians and to the people of his heritage hometown in South Lebanese city of Ain Ebil.
The Lebanese in the Diaspora, and in Canada especially mourn the loss of this brave man. He and his family paid the ultimate price to those fighting for the freedom and security of others. May the Almighty God rest his soul in peace, may his memories serve as he served - unselfishly giving to those in need.
WCCR Leadership Council, Family and Friends.
One Canadian soldier died and four were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded Sunday near their armoured vehicle on patrol northeast of Kandahar city, the second deadly attack for troops in Afghanistan in less than a week.
The soldiers were conducting security operations in the mountainous region of Sha Wali Kot district — a known entry point for Taliban fighters — when the explosion occurred at about 1:15 p.m. local time on Sunday, the military said.
Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from the Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in the attack. He was serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group based in Petawawa, Ont., the military said.
"On behalf of all members of Task Force Kandahar, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Trooper Diab," said Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance, commander of Canadian troops in Kandahar. "We will stand with you in your grief, and we will help you through the difficult days ahead."
In a release, Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his condolences to Diab's family and friends and hoped for a speedy recovery for the wounded soldiers.
"Trooper Marc Diab paid the ultimate price serving his country," Harper said. "His life and death serves as an example of the bravery and outstanding dedication of Canadian Forces members on this mission."
Soldier was dedicated, religious and loved sports
On Sunday, Vance described Diab as an energetic, enthusiastic and dedicated soldier who loved to joke around and make people laugh. He was extremely close to his mother Jihan and girlfriend Mary, he said.
"He never stopped giving," Vance said. "He brought joy and laughter to his friends and was deeply involved and committed to his church and youth group activities."
He was an avid soccer player who loved sports and outdoor activities and often spoke about how much he enjoyed taking his jeep and going cross-country driving, he said.
"His friends and comrades describe him as having a large heart for such a small guy," Vance said. "He would give you the world if he had it."

Trooper Marc Diab
By Archie McLean 03-09-2009 COMMENTS(0) Assignment Afghanistan
More sad news yesterday
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — A Canadian soldier died Sunday and four others were seriously injured when a roadside improvised explosive device or IED exploded near their vehicle in Shah Wali Kot District, north of Kandahar City.
It is the second time in less than a week Canadians have died north of the city as a result of IEDs, which continue to exact a grim toll on soldiers here.
Trooper Marc Diab, 22, from The Royal Canadian Dragoons was killed in the incident. He serving as a member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based in Petawawa, Ont.
- The Globe and Mail tracked down some people who knew Diab in Toronto. According to the story, he and his family fled Lebanon less than a decade ago.
- Canada.com has set-up a book of condolences
- Sometimes it takes a while for details of an incident and its aftermath to trickle out. Sapper Sean Greenfield died here in late January and his aunt has written a powerful article for her hometown paper. It's worth a read.
Sean was the star of our family. He was a tall, movie-star-good-looking young man, always a beautiful smile on his face, 25 years old. I can still remember the night his parents called to tell us of his birth....
...Sean was at the end of a mission to disrupt Taliban bomb-making facilities when he was killed. One of the four other soldiers in the vehicle said he was tired of driving, so Sean said, “I'll drive.” That other soldier survived and called Sean's parents, extremely distraught, saying it should have been him who was killed.
- In unrelated news, they made some military aviation history here on Saturday by flying the first ever combat mission with Canadian troops in Canadian helicopters.

Canadian soldier always dreamed of military career
Updated Mon. Mar. 9 2009 6:31 PM ET
ctvtoronto.ca
The latest Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan wanted a career in the military from the time he was a child, his mother said Monday.
Jihan Diab called her son a "hero," telling reporters from her Mississauga, Ont. home on Monday that 22-year-old Trooper Marc Diab had always been proud to serve his country.
"Marc called himself a soldier since he was probably eight, or before that," she said. "What a hero he is. He was never scared. He wanted peace for every single part of the world."
Diab was weeks away from coming home and settling down. His family said he was planning to buy an apartment and to propose to his long-time girlfriend Mary Barakat.
Barakat and Diab have known each other since their families lived in Lebanon.
Barakat, 21, told CTV Toronto that she has been "living a nightmare" since she found out Diab had been killed.
"It's not fair at all," she said quietly, clutching metal I.D. tags (dog tags) he gave her this past summer.
Jihan Diab found out her son was killed when two military personnel knocked on the family's door. She said at first she thought her son was coming home early to surprise her. Then they told her the terrible news.
Diab, a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, based in Petawawa, Ont. was attacked Sunday with four of his comrades in the southern portion of Shah Wali Kot district. The area is in a mountainous region, and is well known as a transit point for Taliban fighters entering the province. The other soldiers are reportedly in stable condition.
He is the fourth Canadian soldier to die this past week and the 112th Canadian soldier to be killed since the country's mission in Afghanistan began in 2002.
Condolences began pouring in for the fallen soldier across the country and online on Facebook, where a group was set up to remember the young man.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that although Diab "paid the ultimate price" for his country, his commitment serves as an example of the bravery of the Canadian soldiers on the mission.
Brig.-Gen. Jonathan Vance said from Afghanistan Monday that Diab died in "pursuit of a noble goal" - the desire to transform an "unstable and impoverished country into a secure and self-sufficient nation."
Canada's former top soldier also paid his respects to the soldier's family in an interview with CTV Ottawa on Monday.
"My heart quivered this morning also when I heard about the death of our young trooper from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, that young Canadian. And anybody who has followed his story of life is inspired by him," Gen. Rick Hillier told CTV Ottawa.
Hillier said he wants Diab's family to know that Canadians are thinking of them as they deal with their loss.
"I know that Canadians from coast to coast to coast have that family and that great young Canadian in their thoughts and in their prayers today," said Hillier.
Diab's family is no stranger to war. The family moved to Canada in 2000 from war-torn Lebanon.
The trooper's mother said her son had vowed to continue his work with the military long after his current stint finished in 2011. He also planned to continue his work with a local church, leading a summer camp for kids.
His mother said she remembered how Diab promised her she would be safe.
"He told me, 'Mom it's good, I won't be in danger so much'," she recalled.
Jihan Diab said she prays that all Canadian soldiers will be brought home safe.
"Everybody in the military is my son. Bring them all back, please bring them all back," she said, clutching an army uniform. "Bring every single person back to their mothers, please."
Diab's remains are being flown to CFB Trenton for a repatriation ceremony later this week.
With files from The Canadian Press and a report from Austin Delaney
 

Mother of latest soldier killed in Afghanistan says military service was his dream
By: THE CANADIAN PRESS 09/03/09
TORONTO - The mother of the latest Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan says her son dreamed of a military career since he was a child.
Marc Diab, 22 was killed Sunday in a Taliban attack that also wounded four other Canadian soldiers. He was the 112th Canadian soldier to die as part of the Afghan mission and the fourth in less than a week.
His mother, Jihan Diab, says from her home in Mississauga, Ont., that her son always wanted to be a soldier.
She says it was his dream to join the military and that he began calling himself a soldier when he was just eight years old.
Diab also says her son planned to settle down with his long-time girlfriend after she finished university.
 

Harper redefines Afghan 'victory'
Mar 10, 2009 04:30 AM
The Daily Star
The Afghan war is a sorry mess, and many Canadians now question the $11 billion cost, and the loss of 112 soldiers so far. The death of Trooper Marc Diab of Mississauga this week, like every other casualty, invites the soul-searching question: Is it worth it?
To that, and in Diab's honour, there is only one reply: on his watch, Afghanistan's democrats had a bit more time to rebuild their shattered country, and Al Qaeda did not regroup to launch another 9/11 attack. Thousands of Canadians have done similar courageous duty.
Still, as the senior American commander Gen. David Petraeus puts it, "There has been nothing easy about Afghanistan." He should know. He is about to send 17,000 more troops to bolster the 70,000 American and allied soldiers already there.
So what can Canada's 2,750 troops reasonably hope to accomplish between now and 2011, when our combat mission ends?
Less than Ottawa once hoped. Back in 2005, Canada aimed to "eliminate Al Qaeda, the Taliban, anti-coalition armed groups, and any other insurgents threatening the security and stability of Afghanistan or international peace and security." At least, that is what a little-publicized Canada/Afghan agreement stated. That seems unlikely, now.
Far from "eliminating" the Taliban, U.S. President Barack Obama is prepared to talk to them, at Afghan President Hamid Karzai's urging.
And Prime Minister Stephen Harper, too, has been working to redefine "victory," and to lower public expectations. "Quite frankly, we are not going to ever defeat the insurgency," he told CNN recently. Now he says he'd be content to "push back the insurgency," put day-to-day security back in Afghan hands, and "kick-start" effective aid. Even these modest goals may be hard to attain, as the fighting worsens.
Obama hopes to identify Taliban figures who are "willing to work with us," just as the U.S. co-opted Sunni Muslims in Iraq. But the Taliban will be harder to turn. Taliban "moderates" are not easy to find. The insurgency is being directed by Mullah Omar and his hardliners.
Meanwhile, U.S. commanders plan to ratchet up the military pressure to reverse Taliban gains in the south, and to secure the field for elections this year. Gen. David McKiernan, the top U.S. officer in Afghanistan, warns there is a tough slog ahead.
"We are some years away from what I call the `tipping point' where . . . the Afghan security forces, the police and the army, are able to take the lead for their security," he said last week. How many years? Three to five, he guesses. And that is assuming that Karzai's ineffective, corrupt administration cleans up its act, and that Pakistan cracks down.
However Harper scales down our goals, and however worthy they are, the remainder of Canada's 10-year mission is bound to be dangerous, controversial, costly work. That does not mean the mission is futile. It is vital. But the soul-searching is far from over.
 

Another Soldier From Province Injured
March 10, 2009
http://www.vocm.com/news-info.asp?id=34739
NewVcap Radio
There's word today that yet another solider with deep ties to this province was among the injured in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan Sunday that killed Trooper Marc Diab. Berniece Dawe says her 34 year old son, Master Corporal Trevor Dawe from Conception Bay South, was seriously injured in the blast and remains in hospital in Afghanistan. She says he endured more than eight hours of surgery Sunday and had more surgery yesterday. He suffered broken bones in his leg, ankle, arm and jaw and she says he will take a long time to recover. He is based at CFB Petawawa and has a wife in Ottawa, and two children, a 9 year old twin, a boy and a girl, from a previous marriage, living in Mount Pearl. It's his second tour of duty in Afghanistan and he was scheduled to return home next month.
A spokesperson for the family of Private Kyle Ricketts says their condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends of Trooper Marc Diab. Diab was killed and four other Canadian soldiers, including Ricketts, were injured in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan on Sunday. Brian Pollard says Ricketts' family want the families of the other soldiers to know they are not forgotten. Pollard says Private Ricketts suffered two broken feet and ankles and a broken jaw. He has spoken with his family via phone and is upbeat. Pollard says while his physical injuries should heal as expected, the family is concerned about the rest of the healing process. Private Kyle Ricketts was born in Nova Scotia, but his parents returned to their home town of Pollard's Point, White Bay about two years ago.

Thousands honour slain soldier
Courtesy of Fares Sleiman
By: The Mississauga News
March 9, 2009 04:05 PM - Thousands of troops turned out today to honour a Mississauga soldier killed in Afghanistan yesterday.
At least 2,000 NATO troops gathered at the Kandahar Airfield to say goodbye to Marc Diab, according to The Canadian Press (CP). The 22-year-old was killed by a roadside bomb planted north of Kandahar City in the Shah Wali Kot district.
Four other soldiers were also wounded in the attack. Earlier this month, three other soldiers were killed in another roadside bombing.
"Courage defines what we do and who we are," Capt. Roy Laudenorio, the battle group padre for 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, told CP. "Memory is a gift and may those who knew and loved Marc Diab find comfort in the memory of him as a man of courage, a hero and the builder of a new world."
The soldier's death came just a month short of the end of his tour of duty. He was looking forward to returning to his family and proposing to his long-time girlfriend in Mississauga.
Prior to leaving for Afghanistan last fall, Diab's friends set up a Facebook site to share their support, says CP. It's called Come Home Safe Marc Diab.
Today, the site added a picture of Diab sitting astride an army vehicle, with his head bowed, with the caption "Rest in Peace. True Hero."
By all accounts, Diab was a popular and well-liked soldier.
"He loved to joke and was a very popular young man with his peers," Lt.-Col. Roger Barrett, the commanding officer of Canada's battle group, told CP. "A very well-rounded, young professional soldier (and) I am very proud of him."
Diab was Canada's 112th soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002.
cclay@mississauga.net

Crowds salute slain soldier
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Redman
March 10, 2009
John Burman
The Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton police, paramedics and firefighters and dozens of ordinary citizens paid their respects to Warrant officer Dennis Brown and his family as his escorted hearse passed through Hamilton at noon today.
Brown’s widow, Mishelle, waved a small Canadian flag from a limousine to the scores of police and public who lined the seven bridges along the QEW in the city. The procession led by the OPP and and Niagara police, left Toronto at about 11:30 a.m. and made its way along the QEW as it travelled to Brown's home town of St. Catharines.
Scores of truckers pulled their rigs off the QEW on both sides of the highway and stood silent by their cabs as the procession came off the Burlington Skyway and headed for Niagara.
Private citizens and smaller vehicles lined both service roads and people stood on the edges of the access ramps to pay their respects.
The largest concentration of people locally was at Centennial Parkway. A dozen Hamilton police cruisers stood on the bridge while 12 more parked on the shoulder of the Niagara-bound highway as officers saluted Brown. Several of the police are also reserve soldiers. Members of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Regiment stood at attention with them.
Above, on the bridge, with a Hamilton fire department pumper truck and crew saluted with police, paramedics and members of the public.
Canadian flags fluttered from the railings.
The crowd fell silent when the procession rounded the bend beneath the Red Hill Parkway access. The only sound was the occasional burble of a police radio and the splash of the rain.
“Oh my God, that’s his wife waving from the limousine,” a woman cried breaking the silence.
Jennifer Verduyn, 25, hitched son Daniel, 8 1/2 months higher on her hip and said she and husband Trevor, 25, all of Hamilton, came to honour Brown and her own brother, Private Brian Black, who has been serving as a driver in Afghanistan with the Royal Canadian Regiment since September.
“You worry every time the news comes on,” she said.
“We are proud of Brian and he will be very proud that we are here to support the troops and just as importantly support and honour their families too.”
Brown, 38, a reservist with the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and a member of the Niagara police, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan last Tuesday.
The St. Catharines man, Corporal Dany Olivier Fortin and Corporal Kenneth Chad O'Quinn were killed around sunset when an explosive detonated near their armoured vehicle in the district of Arghandab, near Kandahar city.
The Niagara cruisers escorted Brown – a Special Constable with the Niagara police court division – all the way from the chief coroner’s office in downtown Toronto to the Butler Funeral Home on Duke Street in St. Catharines.
The procession travelled from Toronto at highway speeds but slowed approaching bridges on the QEW west to Oakville and Burlington where Halton police officers and EMS members lined the bridges at Trafalgar Road and Guelph Line in a salute.
Farther down the QEW from Hamilton, crowds continued to line bridges as the procession moved into Niagara and drivers in traffic moving in the opposite direction slowed to look.

Reception another way to say goodbye
10/03/09
CFB TRENTON — One emotional gesture has led to another at Trenton’s Military Family Resource Centre.
And as part of the new program of the Trenton MFRC, observers at Thursday’s repatriation will later be invited back to the centre for a brief reception.
The remains of Trooper Marc Diab, killed in Afghanistan Sunday, will return to CFB Trenton at 2 p.m. Thursday.
As always, a large group of public and military observers is expected to gather along Repatriation Row, a short section of Highway 2 near the base’s main gates and just around the corner from the MFRC.
“It will be our goal to be here for every repatriation,” Jaimie Corriveau, the MFRC’s events and projects co-ordinator, said Tuesday.
The receptions began last month with the repatriation of Sapper Sean David Greenfield, when about 15 people went to the MFRC. They continued last Friday when three more soldiers returned to Canada; that reception drew about 45 people.
Corriveau said the brief gatherings are in response to the presence of the public and others at repatriations.
“It’s very difficult not to be moved by the support of people,” she said. “It’s so respectful.
“It is a grieving as a community. We’re proud that we’re the first community to welcome them back to Canada. We don’t take that lightly,” said Corriveau.
After seeing “people just walk away” after the services, she said, “I thought we needed to have a little gesture” recognizing their attendance.
Eve Lawrence is the deployment support co-ordinator for the MFRC. She said attending a repatriation “really takes something out of you.
“It always brings up losses in your own life as well as feelings for those who have lost someone,” said Lawrence.
Yet the receptions aren’t a sad event, Corriveau said, explaining they’re “very respectful, but people are chatty.”
“It’s not sombre,” she said. “It’s that little relief after. It’s positive.”
Each reception will last about an hour after repatriations end.
The foyer in the MFRC has room for 60 to 70 people, a fraction of the hundreds who often attend repatriations. Corriveau said MFRC staff and volunteers provide coffee, chairs and tables plus information on Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
Staff can answer questions, she said, and can help military families and possibly even the public if they’re struggling with the emotions surrounding repatriations.
Corriveau said it’s hoped the MFRC, which receives some federal funding but which relies heavily upon volunteer effort and public donations for its programs, may even attract new volunteers through the receptions.
So far, said Lawrence, the response has been encouraging, with local residents and military plus out-of-town guests visiting.
“Everybody I spoke to was very appreciative we were doing it,” Lawrence said.
The MFRC is in the Siskin Centre complex behind the Tim Hortons and Canex store on RCAF Road. From the “Repatriation Row” observation area of Highway 2, take the highway west to RCAF Road, then head north. Turn left onto Rivers Drive East; the centre is just ahead on the right side.
For more on the receptions or MFRC programs, call Jaimie Corriveau at 613-392-2811 ext. 4299 or Eve Lawrence at 965-3595.
lhendry@intelligencer.ca
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حبيبنا مارك في القلب والضمير أنت باق

كلمة من القلب كتبها صديق للشهيد

ما هذه الشهادة ؟ ما هذا العشق للحرية ؟ما هذه البطولة ؟ مارك... هذا حلمك. هذا حلم مارك منذ أن كان ثماني سنوات من العمر. مارك كان يعشق البطولة، كان يعشق الجيش، يعشق أن يكون حر. كان يعشق الناس، يريد أن يكون بطلهم، أن يموت من أجلهم من قدر ما أحببهم، من قدر ما أحب عين ابل وحريته في شوارعها وفي داره الذي اخلاه قسراً وإضطهاداً. وها من إضطهد الأهل يمشي الجنازة ويتقدم الوجاهة في المكان الذي عشقت..

مارك فعلاً كان يريد أن يكون شهيد من قدر ما أحب عين ابل. كان دائماً يقول إذا مت أريد أن تفعلو هذا  بهذا الغرض، اعطو هذا البيانو لإبنة أختي وهذا ال- cd أعرضوه فقط إن لم أعد، وقد صور مقاطع الوداع بنفسه، أريد أن يكون منتزه للأطفال، أريد أن  تعتنو بالجيب (الذي أحب كثيراً) كان يحب أن تكون صورته في عين ابل، كان دائماً يردد كم يحب والدته ووالده، كان ينادي أختيه ب beautiful

موسيقى مارك كانت خاصة جداً، أغاني المقاومة المسيحية يتخللها كل عشر ثواني أجزاء من خطابات بشير، وهو ناشط. أين تعرف على بشير؟

ما هذا العشق ؟ من أين هذه الجراة؟

البطل هو من يقدم حياته من أجل الاخرين من أجل من يحب، كان كلام مارك قليل جداً، لم يكن بطل كلام.

مارك... باقدامك على الموت جعلتنا نحن ابطال جعلتنا مرفوعي الراس، نحن كنا مهاجرين في كندا والآن جعلتنا أهل هذا الوطن درجة أولى.

أنت اللبناني الأصل أول شهيد أبداً في هذه المدينة.

قال طفل لبناني الأصل  خمس سنوات لمعلمته إستشهد قريبي ليبقى الأشرار بعيداً عنا، فتنهال الإتصالات على كل الأهل واللبنانيين. ها هو اللبناني يعطي الدروس في الوطنية والولاء والحرية، يعطيها بدمه وأجدر.

ما أعظم هذا العشق  فمن أين وكيف؟ انها البطولة وهي من سحر ربي ليست عندي ولا عند الكثيرين.

هذا هو لبناني وهذه هي مسيحيتي وهذه هي عين ابلي. قال  مارك  أنا أموت وأنتم تصبحون أسياد في هذا الوطن مرفوعي الراس، مرفوعي الأصل، احرار، تمتعو بعشق الحرية ومحبتي وحريتي .تماماً كما الأجداد وتاريخنا. لا يساورن أحد أي شك بأن هذا لم يكن حلم مارك، فأنا لا أبالغ.

اسالوا والدته، والده، أصحابه، حبيبته، أي شخص يعرف مارك.

نعم لقد مات مارك ولن يعد، لكن لا تقل راحت عليه فلا نحترم حلمه وعشقه لنا وللحرية. فقد اعطانا أغلى ما عنده ليقول كم أحبكم.

كثيرون يعملون ويستشهدون ولكن قليلون هم بهذا العشق.

ليتعندي هذي الشجاعة أو المحبة، فلم يسحرني ربي ولا الوزنة عندي.

الموت محتوم كما الكل لكني سوف أموت عجوزاً أو مريضاً أو فجاء وليس عندي الجراة لغير هذا.

٢٢ يا مارك سوف تبقى تذكرك الناس إلى الأبد وأنا والناس لن يذكرنا أحد إلا محبتك

 كندا في 12 آذار/2009

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الأبطال لا يموتون
بقلم/الياس بجاني*

مسيرة صلاة على ضوء الشموع في مدينة ماسيسوكا الكندية لراحة نفس الشهيد الجندي الكندي – اللبناني مارك دياب

المئات من أبناء الجالية اللبنانية في كندا، ومن أبناء بلدة عين إبل الجنوبية، ومن رفاق وأصدقاء ومحبي الجندي الكندي – اللبناني الشهيد الشاب مارك دياب، شاركوا مساء أمس الثلاثاء في مدينة ماسيسوكا الكندية- مقاطعة أونتاريو، في مسيرة شموع وصلاة مهيبة تقدمها الأب الأنطوني عمانوئيل نخلة، راعي كنيسة سيدة لبنان المارونية في تورنتو، فيما حمل رفاق الشهيد صورة كبيرة له باللباس العسكري وساروا في مقدمة المسيرة وهم يجهشون بالبكاء حزناً على فقدان مارك الذي كان شعلة من العطاء والنشاط، ومثالاً يقتدى به في الشجاعة والنخوة والتضحية.

المسيرة انطلقت من أمام منزل عائلة الفتاة اللبنانية، وهي أيضاً من بلدة عين إبل، والتي كان الشهيد ينوي أن يتقدم إلى خطبتها فور عودته من أفغانستان حيث كان من المقرر أن تنتهي في نهاية الشهر الجاري فترة خدمته العسكرية هناك. إلا أن القدر حال دون ذلك، وتحولت الفرحة، فرحة العائلتين إلى حزن وأسى ولوعة، حيث انفجر لغم أرضي بالآلية المدرعة التي كان يستقلها الشهيد ضمن دورية عسكرية كندية، فقتل على الفور متأثراً بجراحه، في حين جرح أربعة من رفاقه الجنود.

عائلة الشهيد أرادت من خلال المسيرة أن تسلط الأضواء على الإرتباط الروحي والوجداني الذي ربط ولدهم بمنزل عائلة الفتاة التي أراد بمحبة ورجاء أن تكون رفيقة لدربة، وشريكة له في بناء عائلة المستقبل.

والدة الشهيد وحتى الآن تكاد لا تصدق أن الموت قد خطف ابنها الوحيد، وهي ورغم الفاجعة، ودون وعي، وبقلب الأم الكبير تتصرف وكأن مارك سيعود بعد أيام لتفرح به، والدموع لا تفارق عيناها تتقبل التعازي من المئات الذين يتوافدون إلى منزلهم وتسمع منهم عن ابنها قصص وقصص كلها تحكي هذا الشاب الذي سبق زمنه وعمره ورحل وهو في عز شبابه.

 والد الشهيد السيد هاني دياب تمتم بصوت منخفض والدموع تزرف من عينيه، "يا فرحة ما تمت". وقال بأن مارك كان يُحضر لمفاجأة الفتاة ماري وتقديم خاتم الخطوبة لها فور عودته من أفغانستان خلال أيام.

تكلم الوالد عن ابنه بفخر واعتزاز واتزان، ولكن بحزن وحرقة وصدمة، فمارك ابنه الوحيد، ولمارك شقيقتان، وكانت كل أماني وطموحات العائلة تتمحور حول مستقبل هذا الشاب الواعد الذي ما عرفه أحد إلا وتأثر به وأعجب بشخصيته الممتلئة فرحاً وحياة وأمل.

طاقاته لم يكن لها حدود وأنشطته وهوياته متنوعة وكثيرة ومميزة وكأنه عرف قدره مسبقاً وتوجس بما يخبئه له القدر فأراد من حيث لا يعلم أن تكون سنواته القصيرة نبعاً معطاء ودافقاً.

أجاد مارك في العزف والموسيقى، كما في الرياضة بأنواعها، وتفوق في العمل الكشفي حيث ولسنوات أشرف وبحماس واندفاع على المخيم الذي تقيمه كل صيف كنسية سيدة لبنان المارونية في مدينة تورنتو المحاذية لمدينة ماسيسكوا حيث تقيم عائلة مارك. علماً أنه يقيم في هذه المدينة ما يزيد عن 300 عائلة من بلدة عين ابل الجنوبية تربطهم ببعضهم البعض أواصر القربة، وهم يمارسون عاداتهم الاجتماعية، وشعائرهم الدينية، ونمط حياتهم اليومي وكأنهم مقيمون في عين إبل.

 يشار هنا إلى العشرات من الشباب والصبايا من أبناء رعية كنسية سيدة لبنان الذين دربهم مارك في المخيمات الكشفية شاركوا أمس هم وأهاليهم في مسيرة الشموع، وكان لكل صبية وشاب منهم قصة، بل قصص مع مارك.

ومن يسمع ما يقوله أقاربه ورفاقه، وكل من عرفه ومنهم العسكريين الكنديين من قادة وجنود، وفي مقدمهم قائد الجيش الكندي نفسه لا يصدق بأن هذه الشاب المميز هو ابن 22 سنة فقط، بل ربما مئة سنة وأكثر لما كان يتميز به من عطاء وانجازات متفجرة سابق بها ومعها الزمن.

 حُلم مارك كان أن يصيح جندياً، ورغم أنه وحيد عائلته، فقد أصر، وأصر بعناد وثبات على تحقيق هذا الحلم رغم حذر ورفض والديه والتحق بالجيش الكندي، وكان له ما أراد. وقد وصفه قائد الجيش الكندي في محادثة تلفونية أجراها أمس مع والده، بالمحارب وليس بالجندي وروى للوالد المفجوع كيف التقى مارك في أفغانستان مؤخراً وكيف تأثر بشخصيته وهو كان يتوقع له مستقبلاً واعداً جداً في الجيش الكندي.

والد الشهيد قال لصحيفة التورنتو ستار، في حديث نشر اليوم: "لقد غمرنا الناس بمحبتهم وتعاطفهم، وهناك أشخاص وهم بالمئات حضروا من كل المقاطعات الكندية لتقديم التعازي وأنا لا أعرف الكثيرين منهم. أنا فخور جداً بما قدمه ولدي البطل وقد استشهد وهو يقوم بواجبه دفاعاً عن كندا وصونا للسلام العالمي. الأبطال لا يموتون، ولكنني حزين حتى الموت على رحيله المبكر هذا".

 يشار هنا إلى أن عائلة مارك أجبرت على مغادرة بلدة عين إبل سنة 2000 عقب الانسحاب الإسرائيلي من الجنوب وهاجرت إلى كندا، حيث كان عمر مارك 13 سنة، ورغم نشأته وتلقيه تعلميه في كندا، إلا أن هذا الشاب العين إبلي قلباً وقالباً وممارسة وإيماناًً، أحب لبنان في وجدانه وضميره وكل أحاسيسه وكان يفاخر بجذوره وبتاريخ وثقافة وطنه الأم.

رئيس الوزراء الكندي السيد ستيفن هاربر كان التقى والدة الشهيد ومجموعة من أقاربه أمس خلال وجوده في مدينة برامبتون المجاورة لمدينة ماسيسوكا وقدم تعازيه القلبية لهم وأعرب عن اعتزاز كندا حكومة وشعباً بما قدمه مارك زوداً عن بلاده في ساحة الشرف.

 هذا وسوف يصل إلى كندا اليوم على متن طائرة كندية عسكرية جثمان الشهيد حيث ستقام المراسيم العسكرية المتبعة في مثل هذه المناسبات بحضور وزير الدفاع وقائد الجيش وكبار الرسميين الكنديين. هذا وكان حاكم كندا ووزير الدفاع ورئيس الوزراء وقائد الجيش ورئيس الحزب الليبرالي المعارض قد نعوا الشهيد وقدموا لعائلته تعازيهم.

 مما لا ريب فيه أن هذا هو قدر اللبناني منذ القدم، وهو أن يكون سباقاً وصاحب رسالة مميزة وفريدة في أي بقعة من الأرض يحل عليها. إنها رسالة السلام والدفاع عن هذا السلام وافتدائه بالغالي والنفيس. مارك لم يمت، مارك حي في الحرية التي يتمتع بها كل كندي وهو قدم نفسه قرباناً على مذبح الحرية هذه.

 مارك لم يمت، مارك راقد على رجاء القيامة وقد جاء في رسالة القديس بولس الرسول الثانية لإهل كورنثوس 5-2: "ونحن نعلم أنه إذا هدم بيتنا الأرضي، وهو أشبه بالخيمة، فلنا في السموات بيت من بناء الله لم تشده الأيدي".

*الكاتب معلق سياسي وناشط لبناني اغترابي

*عنوان الكاتب الألكتروني phoenicia@hotmail.com

*تورنتو/كندا في 11 آذار/2009

 GUEST BOOK FOR MARC DIAB
 

March 19, 2009
Marc,
I think about you day and night wondering if there was something we could have done differently. I know this was your time but the thought of never seeing you again breaks my heart. Please give us a sign that you're in a better place, happy and watching over us. You are a true hero Marc, I wish we could have told you in person. Please watch over your family and Mary. We all need you right now. I miss you and can't wait to see you again.
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this great soldier.
R.I.P to the greatest friend! You will always be missed, but will never be forgotten.
Rebecca Lahoud (Ottawa, ON)
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March 19, 2009
Trooper Diab. I still cant believe it ya man. The minute I heard the terrible news I crashed and broke down into tears. You were an amazing guy, not once have I seen you upset or mad. I remember you once said you want to become a soldier, no one believed you until you became a soldier. You then said you want to go to Afghanastan, once again no one believed you until you got the report saying you will be going on a mission to afghanatan for a year. You then said you will be back March 27th, then minute everyone believed you, you dont show up. You died a brother, friend, cousen, boyfriend, uncle, son and a hero to all of us. May you look down on us and guide us all through this horrible time. May your soul be in each and everyone of us and may you strengthen us as we proceed with our lives.
Ya Marc, I love you.
R.I.P Trooper Marc Diab
George Dagher (Etobicoke, ON)
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March 19, 2009
Trooper Diab, I still cant believe it man. once I heard the news I crashed down and broke into tears. you were an amazing guy ya marc, you were loved by everyone and you loved everyone. Not once did I ever see you upset. I remember you once said you want to be a soldier, no one believed you until you became a soldier. You then said you want to go to afghanastan, again no one believed you until you went to afghanastan. You then said you will be back March 27th, the minute everyone believe you, you didnt show up. You died a brother, friend, soldier, son, uncle boyfreind cousen and a hero to all of us. May you guide us all through this hard time and be in each and everyone of us through the rest of our lives. love you trooper Diab. R.I.P Marc Diab
George Dagher (Etobicoke, ON)
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March 19, 2009
I couldn't believe that this happened when i heard the news. I was very shocked and sad. I did not see the family in a long time. Through the years i have thought of the family and prayed that everyone is happy and was wondering when i might see all of you again, not this way. I am so blessed that i got the chance to know Marc, he was 16 years old at the time and i really love the whole family and all of you were always in my heart and in my thoughts. I remember Marc as a very warm and loving boy and always wanted to play a song for me on the keyboard. He always made me smile and laugh. My prayers are with all of you and he is shinning down on you watching from above. My family and i are thinking of you and praying for your strength at this time, you are a beautiful family full of love and i will never forget Marc. Huge warm comforting hug for all of you.
Love from Alexandra (Alex) and the Palacios family
Alexandra Palacios (Mississauga, ON)
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March 18, 2009
Marc Diab is a true hero!
we miss you very much ... but I still can't believe your gone and that i wont see you anymore!
Watch over all of us, I know you can see and hear us and your protecting us. I can feel you around us giving us strength. You are in a better place and you deserve to be happy ! My deepest condolences go out to your family and Mary and I will always be there for them supporting them and helping them!
i love you and you will stay alive in our hearts forever!
rip to our greatest hero of freedom
Stephanie Deeck (Mississauga, ON)
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March 18, 2009
Marc , a young ain-ebly i meet one summer in ain-ebel , very clever and full of energy thus very mature , beyound his age . we will miss you Marc , you made us all proud . may god rest your soul in peace .
Albert khreiche (Ain-ebel)
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March 18, 2009
To the Diab Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on Marc’s passing.
He will always be recognized as a hero to our Country and to the community in which he lived.
My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Amrit Mangat, MPP (Mississauga, ON)
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March 18, 2009
Marc, I can't believe you're gone. Even though its been 10 days, we are all still in shock. I know you are in a much better place watching over us, and please continue to watch over us, especially Mary and your family. I know you are so proud of all of us for supporting Mary and your family through a time like this, and I want you to know, I am always going to be there supporting them. You are the true definition of a Hero and NO ONE will ever forget that or ever forget you. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you Marc, you were and still are a great friend.
May your soul Rest in Peace.
Jiana Ammar (Mississauga, ON)
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March 17, 2009
To The Diab Family,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all . May God place peace in your hearts and give you His mercy to cope with your loss of precious Marc.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you !
Rose Naser & Family (Toronto, ON)
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March 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. May you rest in peace....
Allison Toccalino (Sudbury, ON)
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March 17, 2009
Our heartfelt condolences to the Diab family, Mary and Marc's friends.
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. God is with you Marc. You died serving your country with pride and honour.
Camille & Patrice Haddad (Sydney, Australia)

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To The Diab Family,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all . May God place peace in your hearts and give you His mercy to cope with your loss of precious Marc.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you !
Rose Naser & Family (Toronto, ON)
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March 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. May you rest in peace....
Allison Toccalino (Sudbury, ON)
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March 17, 2009
TO THE DIAB FAMILY.MAY THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY WHO EXPERIENCED THE DEEPEST SORROW CONSOLE YOU IN YOUR GRIEF.MAY HE REST IN PEACE
VICTOR SAHADE OAM (SYDNEY AUSTRALIA)
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March 16, 2009
My thoughts are with you and your family. Marc was a true hero. I did not know him but after reading everything thing about him, I realized that he was a fine young man, who made a lot of people proud.
Emily Moore (Mississauga, ON)
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March 16, 2009
To Family and Friends of Marc Diab:
There's very little one can say or do to ease the pain you are all going through. Know that his life was not lost in vain. Marc is one of many brave individual who made a difference not just for his fellow comrades but also for his Nation.
Deepest sympathy to you all.
To a Soldier,
To a Hero,
To Marc Diab.
Rey Carlos Eugenio (Mississauga, ON)
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March 16, 2009
I would like to extend my deepest condolence to Marc Diab's family. We appreciate what he has done for our country. I hope that the knowledge that your son is a hero help you in this time of bereavement.
Flora Santos (Mississauga, ON)
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March 16, 2009
Rest in peace dear Marc.
f.f. (caledon, ON)
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March 16, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved son Marc..Please accept my condolences. I am also a bereaved mom who lost her daughter, albiet not under the same circumstances. I am not sure if you are provided with any grief support, but want to share that I also volunteer for Bereaved Families of Halton Peel, and if you ever need to talk or would like more info on the services that BFO- HP provides, please feel free to contact me when and if you are ready.. Warm regards
Helena Stahls (Mississauga)
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March 16, 2009
Be very proud. Rest in peace, and we honour you for serving our country.
(Toronto, ON)
March 16, 2009
Rest in Peace my friend, you will always be remembered as a hero.
Ayman Lallous and Family (The Hague, Netherlands)
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March 16, 2009
All of Mississauga is proud of you Marc. Mary and your family are in my thoughts.
David Pavanel (Mississauga, ON)
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March 16, 2009
You are truly a hero, and god bless you for your sacrifice. May you rest and peace. Our hearts go out to your family as well.
Blain YOUNG (Toronto, ON)
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March 15, 2009
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of a brave soldier, who died for a great cause and condolences to his best friend with whom I spoke this evening-whist visting a neighbour in Mississauga. RIP Marc- Susan D'Costa - HR Admin, 11th FD Regt Guelph
Susan D'Costa (Guelph, ON)
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March 15, 2009
My heart goes out to you and your family, So young it just heart breaking
Bill Grimes (Mississauga, ON)
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March 15, 2009
My heart and words could never say anything to take the pain of your family's loss. And the new beginning he was planning with his Mary. I am sending all my prayers and strength for Mary & The Diab Family. Marc must have been the sun on a cloudy day. I play bingo at the same hall as his mom. I am proud to be a Canadian and to have your son fight for all of our futures. Kindest Regards and Gods Speed.
Laura Law (Brampton, ON)
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March 15, 2009
Rejoice with your comrades in Heaven Marc, May the Lord hold you in His arms. With love and prayers for your family and beloved and all Canadians left behind to mourn
Sylvia Jurys (Westbank, BC)
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March 15, 2009
Rest in peace Marc, you will be always in our minds.
Khalil Khoraich (France)
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March 15, 2009
Rest in peace Mark, You are a true Hero....
Marwan Khraiche (Silvi Marina ( Italy))
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March 15, 2009
Even though we didn't know Marc, we are saddened that we have lost a brave young soul. Our thoughts are with you.
Sherry and Brent Lowe-Bernie, Toronto
Sherry Lowe-Bernie (Toronto, ON)
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March 15, 2009
Allah Yirhamak w Yirham Shababak
May Gad give sympathy and strength for your tragedy loss
Marwan Diab (Kuwait)
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March 15, 2009
To Mark's, family,relatives, friends, companions and all.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. As believers we know that it is not the end, Mark left us to another life. May God welcome his soul in the eternal heaven.
Our special thoughts are with all our troopers and soldiers abroad, keeping proudly peace, freedom and implementing hope for a new world.
Ziad Alwan and family (Montreal, QC)
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March 15, 2009
I didn't know you Marc, but I think that you are a very brave soul!
Rest in peace
Gloria (Whitby)
Gloria Pereira (Whitby)
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March 15, 2009
A note for Mary Barakat:
I wish you peace in your heart, because I know that you are torn right now. You see, my boyfriend too died just days before we were to be reunited and we too were planning marriage.
Allow yourself the opportunity to grieve, don't hide your feelings and surround yourself with people who will just listen. You will be angry, and you will question why?? You are only human.
Please find solice in knowing how much Marc loved you and how lucky you are to have had him in your life.
I pray for you especially.
Mary Ann Tadros (Brampton, ON)
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March 14, 2009
"Thank you" doesn't seem like a reasonable response the the death of your loved one, but "thank you" for raising a person willing to risk all, for those of us that will continue to enjoy the peace and security his sacrifice made possible.
His death will eventually lead to "Peace on Earth". Terrorists and anarchists will eventually realize there are people willing to take a stand and make the ultimate sacrifice for what is right.
May God be with you in this time of sorrow, but rejoice in the freedom he has brought to so many.
Jean and Wayne Taylor (Calgary, AB)
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March 14, 2009
A hero??
Mark was truly a hero...he was more than a hero and he still lives on in our hearts. Mark, i felt as if you were watching down on us at trenton...as soon as your casquet came out the sun shone down on all of us..as if you were telling us all we will meet again...and we will meet again
RIP MARC
Justin Ishak (Mississauga)
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March 14, 2009
your are a hero how belive in freedom,yes you are from lebanon...God bless your soul.
antoun bou laouz (montreal, QC)
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March 14, 2009
Marc Hay Fina
Giving your life for the Freedom your country is a sacrifice, but giving your life for the freedom of the others is the Highest Sacrifice.
My deepest condolences to his parents, sisters and to all his family.
Samir Kassabli (Laval, QC)
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March 14, 2009
Great grandson of my Aunt NEJMI IBRAHIM EID (Nejmi means star in Lebanese), Mark kept some traits of her face. Son mixed by courage and battle, left us as ' Nejmi ' among stars, in Kandahar on Sunday, March 8th at 13 h 15.
Huge sadness immersed your family, known for its courage and devotion.
Your village Ain Ebel and all of Lebanon, left by the best of their children, are hit in the heart by the pain of today's tragedy.
Your country Canada, which gave so much for freedom, is under the impact of this disaster. The fields of the north and east of France still remember courageous Canadian soldiers, like you, fallen for its liberty.
We are hereafter going to have another look at Afghanistan, and the whole tormented world. We will keep in our heart forever a flame that burns in your memory.
Dear cousin, all words of the world cannot comfort and console your family. We share with all parents & friends, a deep pain at these dreadful times.
Sincere condolences.
Eid J. I. EID (Paris, FRANCE)
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March 14, 2009
R.I.P Marc..Our hero!Ur a source of pride to the world and now that u crossed to a better one ur an angel of heaven!Our deepest condolences to all Diab family
Lina Diab Kolfat
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March 14, 2009
He was proud of his history and the future he needs.
He was proud of his family and of his wife to be.
He was proud of his countries and his beliefs.
I'm proud to have met him and called him young brother.
I'm proud to have discovered what the word HERO really means.
I will miss your postings.
I will miss my teasing.
I will miss waiting to here your news.
I will miss you ya Marco.
Hani, Im AlJij, Mary, Jess, Mayoush, Fad, Ghassan, Anthony (Arco), Mia.
I'm truly truly sorry- he will forever be my batal.
Marco; Rest In Peace.
Ramzi Khouri (Beirut)
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March 14, 2009
We are eternally indebted to Marc and the fallen soldiers of freedom and liberty. May the Lord bless his Mother and family with solace and peace during these difficult times.
W. Khraish (Houston, TX)
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March 13, 2009
A brave soul. Thank you Marc Diab. I will not forget.
Shawn Norman (Grande Prairie, AB)
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March 13, 2009
Dear Hani, Jihan, Jessica, Mya, and Mary:
I did not believe what had happened until I went to Marc's house last Sunday, and saw Mary and Jihan's faces. Marc is the definition of a true soldier. Marc grew from the little boy I knew who used to play soccer outside with me into a leader who served his church, his community, and his country. Marc's legacy is a part of Canada's history, and no one can ever take that away. Marc's death has taught me more about life than I have ever known. I pray for the day when pride completely defeats your sadness. I am proud to be Marc Diab's cousin. I am proud to have known a true hero. I will never forget you Marc. R.I.P
Charles Ishak (Mississauga, ON)
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March 13, 2009
Dear cousins, Hani, Jihan, Maya and Jessica, Uncle Youssef, family and friends of Marc, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you. May the Lord help heal your broken hearts and give you strength and wisdom in the face of this great loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Yolla (Antar Diab), Ghassan, Marya and Nazlee Atmeh (Brisbane, Australia).
Yolla Diab Atmeh (Australia)
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March 13, 2009
Dear Jihan, Hani, Jessica and Maya, our heart goes out to you, may god give you the strenght to carry on. Marc's courage, love and sacrifice will never die, he will always be in our hearts and our prayers. He is the hero our kids will look up to.
Sanaa & Elias Elten (Mississauga, ON)
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March 13, 2009
We cannot forget the jobs these men do nor the sacafices they must make. May you rest in Peace, Marc.
A Fellow Dragoon
Mike Oliver (Cochrane, ON)
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March 13, 2009
Marc Diab, my brother's best friend, and a friend of my own. Just like everyone that knew him, he was the greatest man that i have ever know. He had the passion to do whatever he wanted to do, and he cared more about others than himself which made him so special. Every person he has ever talked to was inspired by him. He will be with us forever and now that he's gone me and my brother will continue what he always wanted to do, is to care for others and bring peace among everyone. I believe theres a purpose for life and a purpose for death and his purpose was for us to be strong when hes gone and continue what he wanted.. us to be the best we can be. I know he's with us and i pray every night for this brave soldier and he has respect for us all. We love you Marc. May you rest in peace.
Kyle Camilleri (Mississauga, ON)
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March 13, 2009
Dear cousins, Hani, Jihan, Maya and Jessica, Uncle Youssef, family and friends of Marc, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you. May the Lord help heal your broken hearts and give you strength and wisdom in the face of this great loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Yolla (Antar Diab), Ghassan, Marya and Nazlee Atmeh (Brisbane, Australia).
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March 13, 2009
To Marc's family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time, grief and sorrow.
God bless you,
Joseph Tanios (Rmeich, (San Francisco), CA)
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March 13, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy Roumy (Koura-Lebanon)
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March 12, 2009
Hey marc,
i saw your picture in the paper today,...i have to say i was shocked. i couldn't believe it. You were such a nice person, i remmber looking over my shoulder in english class and there you were smiling right back at me, we had good times...im sorry it had to end and that your life had to end but i guess it was your time....miss u dearly
Alicia De Abreu (Mississauga, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Rest In Peace Marc. I will always remember your smile, and big heart. You are a true HERO for us all. Thank you for all you have done. Your memory lives on forever. Watch over us now, and rest peacefully in heaven.
Sabrina Rocha (Mississauga, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Herores like u Dont die. You entered the history of this glory country.
God bless Canada
God bless lebanon
nabil & helene dalle (toronto, ON)
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March 12, 2009
To all Family and Friends of Marc Diab. My family sends our deepest sympathies in this most tragic time. Do know your Marc is a true Canadian HERO who's courageous sacrifice will never be forgotten. No words can be said to ease your pain, just know we, the Wilson's of London On., and many, many more families, are thinking of you all every day. We will remember, ALWAYS. My brother, Mark Wilson, who served with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, was killed on October 7th of 2006. We are with you, and will always be here for you. Sincerely, Sean Wilson.
Sean Wilson (London, ON)
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March 12, 2009
May god rest your soul in peace.
We pray to the Lord and Jesus to lead you to him and help your family, country and friends.
Courageous and Free
Gus Hasrouni (Toronto, ON)
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March 12, 2009
marc diab you are our hero, we well never forget you .you gave your life for all canadians and lebanies canadians.you are our saint in the heaven.
Ghassan EL-DIK (Ottawa, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Marc,
You have shown the world what friendship is, what courage is and what a hero truly means. God bless and rest in peace. You are a guardian angel in heaven watching over everyone.
Maroun, Maggie, Tanya, Charles & Nejme Diab (Mississauga, ON)
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March 12, 2009
May your soul rest in peace.
Nagham Taweel (Perth Australia)
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March 12, 2009
habibi Marc rest in peace.just i wanna let you know that you left a big mark in our hearts.You will be always in our mind love you habibi.
Marie Ajaka Diab. (Mississauga, ON)
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March 12, 2009
It was an honour to stand on the corner in Downtown Toronto as you went by in the car this evening. My heart is with your family and friends. God Bless you.
Nancy Martin (Toronto, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Marc's family and loved ones.
Linda Anastasio (Maple, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Because of his and his comrads' sacrifices, we live free. God bless his soul
Georges Murr(president of WLCU) (Victoria,, BC)
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March 12, 2009
God Bless your soul Marc. As a nation we do not take your life for granted as your heroic efforts have been recognized and greatly appreciated. I regret not ever being able to have met you but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You will be loved and missed for eternity.
To the Diab family, I had lost a friend this past November and had to travel down the same Highway of Heroes in the motorcade. I have witnessed the emotional destruction caused by this war and the effect it has left on the soldiers loved ones. Please stay strong, your son has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many. I as well as millions of people will pray for Marc. God bless you.
Kasra Kamyab (Thornhill, ON)
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March 12, 2009
May your soul rest in peace
Pierrette and Francois Emanuel (Toronto)
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March 12, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family of Marc. I know the feeling of loss, despair, & heartache you are going through. I too lost my son Pte. Kevin Kennedy on April 8th, 2007. May God give you the strength & courage to face the days ahead. Your "Guardian Angel" is watching over you. RIP Marc. You are a "hero".
Kay Kennedy (Wabush, NF)
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March 12, 2009
Dearest Hani and Jihan
I have no words to describe my feelings towards your loss and our loss , such a wonderfull young man.
May God bless his soul
and give you the strength to tolerate his absence .
The Brave and Couragous Marc who made many Nations proud and SAD.
Maha Liddawi (Lebanon)
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March 12, 2009
my deepest sympathies to mark`s family and friends.may his soul rest in peace.
maroon bwairy (colorado sprins, CO)
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March 12, 2009
God rest your soul. A new Hero from Ain-Ebel.
Elie Khayat (Ottawa, ON)
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March 12, 2009
My deepest condolences to Hani, Jihan and the family, I read a lot about Marc’s love to life, to his country Canada and to his home town ???Ain Ebel, what happened is a great loss to you, specially and to all of us, Marc will remain the man we are all proud of , his bravery and his strong will to defend a write cause…May our Lord Jesus Christ rest his soul in peace.
George Salem Diab (IHG Hotels - Tripoli - Libya)
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March 12, 2009
R.I.P our Hero Marc Hani Diab, may God bless your soul, we all missing you here in Lebanon. I invite all to join our facebook group and keep it a memorable place for Marc http://www.facebook.com/group.php?g
id=60251610910
Albert Abu Hamra (Beirut)
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March 12, 2009
Marc Dono (Chillicothe, OH)
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March 12, 2009
May God rest your soul in heavenly peace.
Our deepest condolences to all Diab family.
Joe William Bteish (Salmiya - Kuwait)
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March 12, 2009
we will never forget you,,,,your a legend now ,,,,god rest your soul,,,,our deep condolences to all diab and barakat family ,,,,
jean decko (Beirut)
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March 12, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to Marc's loved ones. I hope you find peace in knowning your son is a HERO and will always live on! You are all in my prayers....
Gabrielle Guy (mississauga, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Rest in peace Marc , you made your dream come true, watch over us from heaven,,,, May his soul rest in peace ,,,,jean decko and family
jean decko (Beirut)
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March 12, 2009
Marc is a Hero!!! He was full of life and a brave soldier. We will miss you, and we will always remember you.
Marwan Farah (Ottawa, ON)
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March 12, 2009
you will always be remembered ya marc!rest in peace! ur our hero!
sandy ashkar diab (beirut)
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March 12, 2009
In loving memory of a true hero Marc.Our deepest prayers and wishes are with your family. Rest in peace Marc.
Philip and Tima Diab (new york, NY)
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March 12, 2009
Marc hay fina!!
Michel Gemayel (Ottawa, ON)
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March 12, 2009
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel.
Everyone who deeply knew you, said that one day this little guy will be something... well, you chose to be a Hero..!
You were the bravest one, trustworthy, vivacious, "stimulating", and kind-hearted.
To Friends and family, may the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Regards,
On behalf of Marc's first friends..
Rayan ATME (Beirut)
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March 12, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
jean maroun (cleveland)
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March 12, 2009
May God rest your soul in heavenly peace.
Our deepest condolences to his parents , sisters and to all Diab family.
Elie Iskandar Farah & Family (Sharjah, UAE)
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March 12, 2009
The Brave Marc Diab. We still cant believe or absorb the news. However the memories will never be forgotten. A joufyll person, a brave soldier and a talented musician. Rest in peace our beloved bro. I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ that the Lord will surround Hani, Jihan, jessi and Maya with his peace and strength in these difficult times.
Walid & May (Dubai)
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March 12, 2009
May God rest his soul in heavenly peace.Allah yer7amo w ysabber ahlo.
Lina Matta (Beirut)
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March 12, 2009
Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet you Marc in person, but from what I have heard and read about you I can easily say that you are one of few people in the world that can leave this kind of reputation behind, and I am one of many Lebanese and Canadians for that matter that will walk the earth that you left very proud as you did achieve in the short life you had and with greatest honors what others have failed to do in their “full” lifetime.
May God bless your soul, and decorate all your family and friends with patience and strength through these most difficult times.
George S. Khraish (Dubai, UAE)
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March 12, 2009
To a Fallen Hero. You shall never be forgotten. For though you may be gone from this world, your spirit will live forever. It lives in the laughing eyes of children who are free from want and opression. It lives in the bravery and conviction of those who still struggle for liberty. And it lives in us.
For we promise to cherish every breath of freedom that you paid the ultimate price to secure. we ask that we might be granted some small fraction of your courage and strengh to face the challenges of our life with an honor and dignity worthy of your legacy. May you rest in eternal peace safe in the knowledge that your sacrifice was not made in vain.
CHARBEL MAROUN DIAB (Abu Dhabi)
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March 12, 2009
Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet you Marc in person, but from what I have heard and read about you I can easily say that you are one of few people in the world that can leave this kind of reputation behind, and I am one of many Canadians and Lebanese that will walk the earth you left very proud as you did achieve with greatest honors what others have failed to do in their “full” lifetime.
May God bless your soul, and decorate all your family and friends with patience and strength through these most difficult times.
George S. Khraish (Dubai, UAE)
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March 12, 2009
R.I.P. Marc,
Martyrs never die.
Lisette Diab (AIN-EBEL)
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March 11, 2009
To the family of Marc Diab,
My deepest condolences to a great hero. He risked his life in order to allow us to live ours and for that he is a remarkable guy. He will always be seen as a hero and may he look down on us standing by Gods side.
You are in my prayers.
Michline Khalil
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March 11, 2009
R.I.P my childhood freind .. i will never forget.....
NADER EL Ammar (perth-australia)
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March 11, 2009
I am so impressed to read all of the stories about Marc. He is a great role model for all of us. Thank you so much for creating this guest book. Marc, you are obviously loved by many but you are a great hero to us all. Thank you for being all that you have been.
Heather Jewell (Toronto, ON)
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March 11, 2009
To the Diab family, may the courage, energy and most importantly the faith that Marc posessed stay with you and give you the strength and the courage to get over this unbearable loss. May the deep faith that Marc had be transferred to all of us so we may bear this loss. May God be always with you, Diab Family, and continue in the legacy that our Hero had started. Marc was definitely a one of a kind person that gave deep from his heart without expecting anything in return. He was a role model to many and his candle will keep on burning from up above shining its light on all of us. Rest in peace Marco as you continue your journey back to the creator. Love always and God Bless.
Mirna Iskandar (Toronto, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Viva el pueblo canadiense-libanes y viva los luchadores para la paz
internacional.
querido hermano MARC DIAB para su spirito libre y su grandeza rezamos.
marc issam ghallab ghallab (venezuela)
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March 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Patty Foote (Hamilton, ON)
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March 11, 2009
la glorya es para usted hermano del mismo dolor.
Rezamos para tu alma sagrada y pedimos de Dios la calme eterna para su gran familia.
rommel issam ghallab (venezuela)
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March 11, 2009
Rest in peace brother, you are in a better place. Know that we will not forget.
Minh Nguyen (Saint-Laurent, QC)
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March 11, 2009
marc do u remenber when u came 2 lebanon and u help sousou in ze restaurent and everyone said 2 u marc ur coming 4 vacation bass u was so happy in workin
i remenber ur rollers u and haitham
just missin ur smily face ur energy
be sure ain ebel ll miss u a lot
heheheh i remnber when u came at th airport u get so late and we wer waitin u at elie sobhe s house and everyone ask wt happened wiz mark and sudenly u came home wiz ur laugh and ur loud voice
ain ebel gonna miss
rest in peace dear brother and friend take care of us and watch us
cynthia sleiman (ain ebel)
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March 11, 2009
We have been deeply touched by Marc's loss. May his heroic memory lasts in everyones mind forever. May his family draws strength from knowing that He is resting in eternal peace. Our prayers are with you.
Joseph and Suzanne Diab (Harbor City, CA)
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March 11, 2009
hi marc dono what 2 say since i heard wht happen and im thinkin of u everynight i watch ur photos and still canot believe w read wt all people said about u w and im sur zat all is true coz ur a gr8 person i know u since i was 5 years old maybe i didnt see u 4 a time but u still always our friend and our brother marc we miss u all we were waitin u 2 come back 2 ain ebel bass know ur our angel in the sky
every night ill pray 4 u we gonna miss u
love u marc
cynthia sleiman (ain ebel)
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March 11, 2009
My condolences to the Diab Family.
Marc's smile was a welcoming one whenever he came around. His words were always sincere.
We have seen first hand a great boy turned a greater man, giving the ultimate!!!!!
Thank you Marc for being you.
Glenn Camilleri (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
TROOPER MARC DIAB: THE HONOURABLE HERO:
This is a message for those who know and care about the most extravagant person who ever lived, MARC DIAB. My brother at hand, my guide for the right path, and my best friend, i just wanted to tell the world a little more about the goodness that is inside this individual, incase you didnt have the privelage to know yourself. He is a Brave Canadian , and great son, and a true friend... I know he would want me to let all of you know this so you will never forget what a true person is capable of.. making a difference. He past into the next life doing exactly what he wanted to do. Always remember.. never forget.. and learn from the Hero MARC DIAB.
Amessage from one who knows him best..
Justin Camilleri (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
I still cant believe this is the sad reality. you are gone in body but still greatly remain in memory. It has been a long time since i last saw you, and i wasn't aware you were down there fighting. I sadly regret that we never kept in touch marc. After high school, times changed, people changed, the world changed. And now im here mourning you in shock and disbelief. What can i really say about you that many of your great friends and family have not already said. you had a big heart and a lot of love to give everyone around you. i love you and i hope you are in a better place. it fills me with great joy to have been your friend and to have known you. i am honored to have met you and been a part of your short life, even if it was only a small part. I seriously cried for you. but now i must say goodbye to you old friend, take care wherever you are. cya on the other side. Rest In Piece Marc Diab.
Jeff Cidade (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
My heart is so filled with sadness but also it swells with pride. you risked your life for those in this country and abroad. Your character is as solid as it comes. God made a very special angel when he created you!!! thank you for adding so much life and laughter to those lives you touched. i have never been more proud, than today to say i met and knew such a wonderful hero!!! God bless your family and friends in this time of sorrow, know that your angel touched so many!!!
cathy mavrou (mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Marc!! What can I say…I still can’t believe that you are gone!! I haven't stopped thinking about you ever since I heard the devastating news. I feel this ache in my heart. It feels so unfair, that someone like you, with so much to offer to leave us so soon. You are like a candle that burns to light the way for others.
I will miss you my Beautiful Marc . I’m going to miss your happy greeting face , your beautiful words and compliments.
My deepest sincere condolences to Jihan, Hani, Jessy, Maya , Mary and all the family and friends . May God give you the strength to be able to overcome this enormous tragedy. May the love of those around you help you through the tough days ahead.
Nothing in this world will replace you our HERO!! You will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace my little neighbor!!
"Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us everyday,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear."
Rola Diab Nahhas (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Marc,
thanks for all the fun times that we shared together, you always knew how to keep everyone laughing.
My condolences to Marc's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jolleen F (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
your life on earth were numbered, but your soul lasts for eternity. these past days have given me time to think things out. ive questioned over and over, why God would give us such a great person then take him away. all we have now are the wonderful memories of you. You know it seems like you only see it happen to other people and you think its nothing, but when it happens to you and some one you love is taken away your world is over? i feel it, but i know thats not how its meant to be. Your life was short and no one saw it coming. Your memory will live on forever and i swear it! your time here was precious and indeed did touch many lives. i know its gonna be hard for everyone to think of what happened, but i know your in a better place now. Rest In Sweet Peace Marc. You will never be forgotten.
Carla (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Today we shouldn't be sad because we have lost our friend but we should be proud because a new angel was born in the Sky: His name is Marc...
Rest in heavenly peace our friend and please keep an eye on us.
Dina El Hasrouny (Ain Ebel)
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March 11, 2009
To the family and friends of Marc Diab, remember all the beautiful memories that Marc helped bring to you all. We are all sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences to you, Marc's family and friends. Your son was a brave young man and will never be forgotten.
God Bless us All.
Louie Gialedakis (Woodbridge, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Marc, you are great example to all Canadians. You gave your life for a country you only moved to 10 years ago. This country owes you and your family everything. God Bless Marc and his family.
greg worona (port perry, ON)
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March 11, 2009
May God Bless your soul and grant solace to your mom, dad, siblings and loved ones.
Canada and Lebanon will forever be free and Liberty always protected by heroes like you.
You gave it your all and the whole world is forever in your debt
Roger Yazbeck (Redondo Beach, CA)
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March 11, 2009
Marc,
We are all thankful and owe you more than we could ever repay. You are a true hero and we will never forget you. We love you and your family and pray for you all.
Chadi and Eva Diab
Chadi Eva (Oakville, ON)
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March 11, 2009
A Soldiier, A Brave Canadian Hero. You did what you believed in like you always have. Your Heart is so big you have touched so many in your short lived life. Many people will never accomplish what you have. Your smile brought comfort to our family. You brought joy to my son Justin and he always loved you so much. We will miss you, I know you have touched our family and your spirit lives with us, You will always be remembered. Your DEDICATION, DETERMINATION and DESIRE to help others is who you are. You are a role model for all my kids and they all love you. God is with you Marc. Marc is with us.
Gary Camilleri (Mississauga)
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March 11, 2009
R.I.P. Marc
you were a great man. Funny.. Smart.. Friendly. You left behind family and friends who love you and miss you dearly.. but you passed away doing what you love and may you be in Heaven resting.
you may be gone.... but never Forgotten
xoxoxoxo
Katie Cabral (Toronto, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Marc, I remember having class with you & always making everyone laugh. U & your rollerblades. U always knew how to crack a joke and make people feel better. I know you've made an influence on soo many people.. You will truly be missed by many. Thank you for everything, you're a true soldier. May you always R.I.P and watch over those who miss & love you.
Donna Ayson (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Marc Diab... let me say that we are great with you ...with your free soul...with your fair inner-edification.
God bless your holy spirit...MAN
issam ghallab (venezuela)
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March 11, 2009
R.I.P Marc Diab, may GOD give the strength to ur family and friends.
Samer Diab (MISSISSAUGA, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Our condolences too upon the passing away of your son. This is a time for grief and awareness of loss.
With the 111 soldiers before him, Marc died in a war that needs to be fought.
May the Lord of the Church grant your family his peace.
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March 11, 2009
To the family of Marc Diab,
It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Marc Diab. He was a true hero in so many senses of the word. Having fled difficult times in Lebanon, one would have thought that he would have chosen to take an easier road in his adopted country, but Marc Diab chose to valiantly fight as a soldier.
We are so sad that a member of our own community has died in such a tragic way, but we are proud to say that he lived a life of service to
others and this legacy will always be remembered.
May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in the memories you have of this very brave and honourable man.
Lebanese Canadian Heritage Association (Montreal, QC)
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March 11, 2009
RIP Marc you will always be remembered as a hero.
Michael Diab (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Rest in Peace MARK,may GOD bless your soul.
Rachid Atmeh (Riyadh)
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March 11, 2009
Everybody is calling you a Hero, Oh and a brave one you were! but I'm fortunate to call you a friend. I miss you ya man!
Marc Hasrouny (Montreal, QC)
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March 11, 2009
May God rest your soul in heavenly peace.
My sincere condolences to his mother & father, sisters and Mary.
Cynthia Chbat (Dubai)
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March 11, 2009
REST IN PEACE MARC, YOU ARE A HERO AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS A HERO.
OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMRADES. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.
MAROUN S. DIAB AND FAMILY.
MAROUN DIAB (SHARJAH, U. A. E.)
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March 11, 2009
My heart goes out to Marc Diabs family, girlfriend and close friends, I did not know him to well but the little that I did know of him was amazing, he was a kind soul, and I will keep him in my prayers.
Stephanie Fresco (Mississauga)
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March 11, 2009
It is extremely sad that Marc is no more with us and we will always miss him!...but he will always be in our hearts and memories and he will always remain hero to us.
May his soul rest in peace...
paul sader (beyrouth)
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March 11, 2009
paul sader (beyrouth)
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March 11, 2009
What else can I say ....
you'll always be in our mind
May God rest u in peace.
Shereen Al-Hasrouny (Lebanon)
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March 11, 2009
Last year you visited my children's school(SMB in Markham)for Remembrance day. You live on as a hero in their hearts forever.
Merci Marc.
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March 11, 2009
Rest in peace Marc Diab!!! God bless your soul...
Mona Cheaib (Ottawa)
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March 11, 2009
Marc, rest in peace. You died serving your country with pride and honour. May your family find the strength to endure your loss.
Omar Alghabra (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
Alla Yirhamak. I did not know you personally but wanted to express my deepest and utomost respect to you and my condolences to the Diab family. It's people like you that remind us how grateful we should be to live in such a wonderful country.
Rawan Jada (Richmond Hill, ON)
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March 11, 2009
deepest condolences and prayers
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March 11, 2009
Marc is wat u wud call a real dude,he would always crack jokes,and would always stand up for what he beleived in,and would always help you out if you needed it.I remember Marc from high school,always rollerblading to school in the morning,you will truly be missed but never forgotten brotha! U are a true soldier
Brian (Mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
marc
wow i still cant believe your gone
i love you so much and ull always be in my prayers
u will never be forgotten
please marc strengthen all in this time of need RIP cousin
""a fallen soldier has risen to be our angel''
amanda diab (mississauga, ON)
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March 11, 2009
You are a young brave man and a hero.
We are very proud of you .
You will always be remembered in our hearts and in our prayers.
On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Marc's parent's,sisters,freinds and the loved ones R.I.P MARC
Maya Andraos (Sydney)
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March 11, 2009
Marc jet' ai connu tout petit et encore mais nous sommes parent et en cette triste occasion je ne peux que saluer ton heroisme et ta memoire et saches meme outre tombe que nous sommes fiers de ce que tu as realisé dans ta courte vie sur terre .Mes sinceres condoleances aux parents et aux soeurs .Les mots sont difficiles à trouver devant une tragedie pareille.
Votre cousin Raif Sader France
Sader Raif (Laon France)
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March 11, 2009
J'ai connu Marc et sa famille à Ain-Ebel, je me souviens d'un frêle petit brun d'une grande gentillesse, c'était il y a si longtemps...
En ces temps si durs, toutes mes pensées vont à vous tous, famille, amis et compagnons d'armes.
Je prie pour que Notre Dame du Liban vous console, sèche vos larmes, vous donne la force d'aller de l'avant, pour que le Christ de miséricorde accueille Marc en Son royaume, l'environne de Sa bonté sans limites, que Son soleil infini illumine pour toujours l'âme de notre ami.
Marc, prends soin des tiens de là-haut, comme tu as si bien pris soin d'eux ici-bas.
Repos, soldat.
Danielle Chidiac (Paris)
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March 11, 2009
My Condolenses to the entire Diab family especially to Marc's mom and dad. Alla Yerhamou.. I did not know your son but attended his ramp ceremony couple of days and said an arabic prayer for him. RIP and God be with the Diab Family especially during this time.
Rania Karam (Gatineau, QC)
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March 11, 2009
God Bless. Thank you for serving our country Marc.
Caleb D (Kamloops, BC)
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March 11, 2009
god rest ur soul
nahida j.s (Edmonton, AB)
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March 11, 2009
God bless Marc Diab's Soul.A Canadian Lebanese Hero . A fighter for freedom and liberty.
Joseph Gebeily (Lebenon)
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March 10, 2009
Those who put on the queen's uniform must surely be regarded as being among the most worthy of our citizens because they have freely taken it upon themselves to stand in harm's way for the rest of us. It is because of our soldiers' preparedness to undertake the ultimate sacrifice that the rest of us can live safely and securely. The memory of those who have made this sacrifice is sacred and always to be revered. Tpr Diab is with God
Signed by a former soldier and one who lost an uncle in WWII
Robert Spankie (Vancouver, BC)
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March 10, 2009
god bless your soul Marc Diab ,rest in peace.
fadia nasser (calgary, AB)
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March 10, 2009
god bless his soul
fadia nasser (calgary, AB)
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March 10, 2009
I knew marc from high school and some times hung out with him he was always a happy guy to be around and very smart aswell i learnt alot from him he's going to be missed alot my heart go's out to the whole family im very sorry for your loss
Mr.Acosta (Toronto, ON)
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March 10, 2009
Allah Yrhamak Marc, Rest in Peace'
Anas Kazaal (Mississauga, ON)
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March 10, 2009
My fellow Canadian-Lebanese hero, may God bless your soul. We are so proud of you.
Rest in Peace Comrade
Tony Semaan (toronto, ON)
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March 10, 2009
Le jeune Marc a choisi ,pour marquer son heroisme ,le terrain le plus difficile et sauvage de la planete:Kandahar.Mon petit cousin Marc ,tel que je l'ai connu dans les ruelles du Village oublié sur les frontieres sud du Liban,fut toujours un garcon de defi et d'aventures.Le petit Wolf scout associait dans le fond de sa personnalité une maturité précoce, une passion de depasser les frontieres et les choses habituelles. Son ambition sans frontiere l'a amené à s'engager dans les troupes militaires canadiennes ou il peut exercer cette passion , éprouver l'existence fragile pour prouver sa force invincible :Aimer jusqu'au bout, en donnnant sa vie,sans calcul , pour les causes sublimes.Marc manquera à ses nombreux amis et proches du Liban ainsi qu'à ses amis sur les terrains du combat militaire et de la vie quotidienne.Il laissera un grand vide dans sa propre famille ,son pere Hani, sa mere jihane et ses trois soeurs.Leur douleur est grande.Rien ne peut les consoler apres la perte de l'unique garcon de la famille.Mais Marc qui a realisé en si peu d'anneés son grand reve d'etre un Heros sur un terrain mondial,maintiendra Son sourire rayonnant outre tombe longtemps dans les coeurs de millions de canadiens et d'amis de la liberté à travers le monde.Fiers de toi nous sommes , bien que tres tristes,cher petit cousin qui disparait avec les premieres fleurs des amandiers dans les jardin d'AinEbel.Avec Hani, Jihane et les Sabayas nous sommes solidaires dans la douleurs maintes éprouvées à travers nos multiples martyrs.Tu resteras dans l'imagination des jeunes filles du village ,de toutes les Mary,le beau
prince Chevalier attendu à la fin du combat.Marc ,tu n'es pas mort , on t'attend...sur la cours
Joseph Toufic Khoreich
Joseph khoreich (Beyrouth)
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March 10, 2009
God bless your soul...
Naim Nohra (Montreal, QC)
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March 10, 2009
We knew Marc the Hero from the Choir of Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Toronto. May God rest your soul in peace and you will always be remembered for all your love and efforts in serving your church, the altar, the choir, your country and someone else’s country.
Rest in peace and you will always be remembered in our prayers.
Our Deepest Condolences to the Family.
Rabih & Rita Melki (Vaughan, ON)
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March 10, 2009
Marc was a genuine man. Not just a soldier, but a human who greeted everyone with the utmost respect. I went to the same high school as Marc and never did you see Marc without a smile. He fought for both his country and everyone's happiness.
Thank you Marc. I wish I had your strength
Ryan Cassidy (Mississauga, ON)
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March 10, 2009
A MARTYR NEVER DIES
MY WARMEST AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MARK'S FAMILY MAY GOD GIVE HIM ETERNAL LIFE AND HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AMIN
FADI BSAIBES (TORONTO, ON)
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March 10, 2009
It is with both gratitude and sadness I salute your son's legacy. Because of him there will be a tomorrow of which all Canadians of every walk of life, from every background can revel in. Sadly he will watch from far afield. Thank you for the wonderful son you raised.
Bonnie (ON)
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March 10, 2009
Although I do not know the Diab family, I want them to know they are in my thoughts and prayers. A Lebanese family in NS is thinking of you all.
Amelia Bishara (Yarmouth, Nova Scotia)
Amelia Bishara (Yarmouth Co.,, NS)
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March 10, 2009
Thank you for your son's sacrifice. Although we cannot know the pain of the terrible loss and loneliness you must now be suffering, you remain, and will remain in our thoughts and prayers. The loss of Marc Diab impacts so many because we are aware that he is of the best and bravest of our country's young.
Jeffrey Kerr (Lloydminster, AB)
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March 10, 2009
As a Canadian Lebanese, my heart cries for you. Only God has the right words that would heal your heart. I stand so much prouder to know my roots came from Lebanon. God and you make two, you are never alone.
Joe Bishara (Yarmouth, Nova Scotia)
Joe Bishara (Yarmouth Co.,, NS)
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March 10, 2009
As a fellow Maronite Lebanese, I'm also a Captain in the Canadian Forces, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Marc's family and girlfriend. I'm also an avid offroad enthusiast like Marc was. I never had a chance to meet Marc, but I'm sure we could have connected greatly together. Your story has touched my heart.
Allah yirhamak.
George Sabat (Kingston, ON)
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March 10, 2009
May your soul rest in PEACE Marc.
A big loss for all Lebanese.........
Roula Sakr Assaf (Beirut)
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March 10, 2009
To Marc's family, to his soulmate Mary and friends, My deepest sympathy for the loss of Marc, May the Lord have mercy on his soul and give you courage and faith to overcome this tragedy.
Maroun Elias (Montreal, QC)
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March 10, 2009
Allah yirhamak ya Marc. I want to sing for you this song for Gibran Khalil Gibran:
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Rest in peace our hero.
Fadi Lteif (Ottawa, ON)
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March 10, 2009
For a brave young man: thank you.
For the family: sorry for your lose.
Wayne Mathison (Hamiota, MB)
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March 10, 2009
I knew Marc as a little kid in our village Ain-ebel. He was always so vibrant and so full of life.
I can't believe that this sweet little kid is gone and we would never see him again.
Every time I met him here in Canada he used to greet me with the biggest laugh and you could truly feel how genuine he is.
Last time I saw him, he was in church with his girlfriend Mary, and I still remember his smiley face and it makes my heart aches just to think about it.
You had such a short life, but you had done everything with conviction and love. You have accomplished in this life what many spend a life time searching for. You lived and died for what you believed in.
Our Hero Marc, we will always remember you, and you will forever be in our hearts.
May God give Jihane, Hani, Jessy, Maya, Mary, all his family, and everyone who knew him the strength to overcome this tragedy.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”
Layal Diab Hanna (Mississauga, ON)
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March 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Robert Gunja (Oakville, ON)
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March 10, 2009
MY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW
JOHN MOARBES (KOBAYAT/LEBANON)
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March 10, 2009
may God give him eternal rest and may his soul rest in peace
deepest condolences from abboud family
E. abboud (toronto, ON)
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March 10, 2009
To the Diab Family may our Lord Jesus give you strength and faith to accept the will of God.
Mark passed on as a hero, fighting for freedom, not his own, but someone else's, so future generations could have a better life. And that makes all of us proud and greatfull.
God Bless you all
Rony Dagher (Toronto, ON)
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March 10, 2009
A Hero never dies.
Marc will always be in the memory of all our kids in Toronto. He was their leader for many years at camp and they looked up to him. His enthusiasm, dedication and smily face will always be remembered. My son Patrick and the whole family send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends for their loss.
Ibrahim Elias (Toronto, ON)
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March 10, 2009
Our Beautiful Marc...I have known you ever since you were a little boy.. I remember your little smiley face brought soo much joy to my sisters , my brother and I when we were younger. You were always a happy kid, full of life and energy . You just had this special something about you! A divine quality that just brought joy and happiness to whoever met you.
Then years passed and I saw you again in Canada but now as a grown man .. and all these feelings of joy and pride rushed right back. You had never lost this special something that you had.. if anything the light that came out of you was this much stronger . Your inner beauty shined so bright that it could not be hidden.
I truly believe you were an angel on earth, and all of us and especially your family should feel blessed that we were the chosen ones to share your life.
Your life was short but you have left a bigger impact in this short period than most people leave in a lifetime!
You were a Marc that left many marks on peoples hearts, and we are all better people because we have known you.
Rest in peace my neighbour, and spread your wings high. This earthly life was maybe too confining for your Big soul.
Marc, you will forever be in our hearts, always loved, never forgotten!
Marwa Diab (Mississauga, ON)
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March 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ross Savoury (Scarborough, ON)
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March 10, 2009
As an ex-military from the lebanese army, my deepest condolences. It is hard to forget fallen friends but we will always remember them and we will not forget their sacrifice. Free patriotic movement. Charaf Tadhia Wafaa
Chady Bardawil (Ottawa, ON)
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March 10, 2009
Your ultimate Sacrifice is a beacon for us all who cherich Freedom, Openness and Democracy. Our deep sentiments of Condoleances from Dr. Rachid Rahme's family and friends
Rachid Rahme (Becharre)
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March 10, 2009
Jihan, I am so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling. Please know that I and everyone at Noritsu are praying for you. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your son was a brave young man and will not be forgotten.
Diane Kilbreath (Caledon, ON)
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March 10, 2009
TROOPER MARC DIAB:
This is a message for those who know and care about the most extravagant person who ever lived, MARC DIAB. My brother at hand, my guide for the right path, and my best friend, i just wanted to tell the world a little more about the goodness that is inside this individual, incase you didnt have the privelage to know yourself. He is a Brave Canadian , and great son, and a true friend... I know he would want me to tell all of you this so you will never forget what true person is capable of.. making a difference. Always remember.. never forget.. and learn from the Hero MARC DIAB.
Justin Camilleri (Mississauga, ON)
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March 10, 2009
May you soar with angels and watch over those you love. Be at peace.
Mary-Lou MacDonald (Ottawa, ON)
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March 10, 2009
My son went to summer camp last year at Our Lady of Lebanon Summer Camp - 2008. My son spoke very highly of Marc. My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May God Bless your Soul and Rest In Peace Marc.
Colette El-Hajj (Markham,, ON)
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March 10, 2009
Our warm sympathy.
The Sleiman Family of Amchit-Lebanon
Jihad Sleiman (Amchit)
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March 10, 2009
Marc, as a citizen of your mother country Lebanon, I feel proud of you for falling as a martyr under the Canadian Flag, while fighting against terror and violence that has marred the peace in many parts of the world, including Lebanon. May the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Peace, Love and Misericordia, grant your soul eternal rest and grant your family patience and strength.
Nazir Youssef Saad (Knaisseh-Shouf-Lebanon)
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March 9, 2009
You are a martyr of the east and west.A spirit strong and free like the cedars of lebanon.A big hearted, caring and loving person.A Proud canadian,You made us all proud.May the saints of the valley of heaven bless you Marc.God bless your family and all your soldier brothers and sisters.
Paul ,shihab HADDAD (ch'town, PEI)
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March 9, 2009
our warmest condolences to diab family.Marc,may god bless you and your family.Rest in peace
the Keikati's family
Khalil Keikati (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
My sincere condolences to Marc's parents and sisters, to his girlfriend, to the Diab family in Canada and Lebanon, and to all Marc's friends. My sincere condolences to Marc's other big family, the Canadian Forces, and in particular the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
Fadi Harouny (Montréal, QC)
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March 9, 2009
My deep and sincere condolences on the Marc's passing. My daughter is also in 3RCR and I try to look up the regiment of each trooper mentioned in the media. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Marc's family and friends at this saddest of all times.
Michael Posluns
Michael Posluns (Toronto, ON)
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March 9, 2009
In respect of the loss of Trooper Marc Diab
Oh Lord our tears can’t cleanse the wound
Opened deep within the hearts
Of a family left without this son
Who’ve been there from the start
They’ve watched him grow and stood beside
The babe the child the man
So proud of his courageous heart
As he stepped forth and took a stand
For all that’s good within our world
Placed his life upon the line
Please Lord take him close to thee
At this such tragic time
For friends and soldiers and those he loved
We ask for you in prayer
Lord please stand near, warm their thoughts
With memories of him near
So sad this loss a generous heart
Who stepped forth for those in need
Giving of himself to those
Without a thought of greed
So young he let our world know
There’s more to love than life
For with this love for all mankind
He entered into this strife
Our hearts stand for, those so close
Who will miss this lad so brave
We will remember he stepped forth
For Canada, his life, he gave
Marc your efforts will not be forgotten. You are Canada, and you and your fellow troops are in our hearts.
Trooper Marc Diab we knew you not, but our prayers reach out for you, your loved ones, friends, and fellow soldiers. We do, so dearly, thank you and your loved ones for your efforts towards making our world a better place.
Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family Slave Lake Alberta
rogbor@live.ca
Roger Borchert (Slave Lake, AB)
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March 9, 2009
Rest in Peace Marc. My Deepest condolences to the family.
Anita Sequeira (Mississauga)
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March 9, 2009
Rest in Peace Marc.
Anita Sequeira (Mississauga)
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March 9, 2009
Thank you for being there for all of us.
May your soul rest in peace.
Nuno DeMelo (London, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Allah yirhamak. May God remember you in his Heavenly Kingdom. I'm sure you're back with your creator. May God take care of your family and grant them the strength to make it through this difficult time. Allah yirhamak.
Mike (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Rest In Peace Marc. You served your time well. I didnt know you directly but through a friend and seeing the news coverage today makes you realize how life is so short. Live every day to the fullest and thats what your life seemed like. Your in a better place now. My condolences to the entire Diab Family, friends and especially Marc's girlfriend Mary.
Glaeson R (Brampton, ON)
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March 9, 2009
I haven't seen or spoken to mark since highschool, but he was a great boy then and i'm sure he turned into an even better man. I am very sorry for your loss.
Ruben Domingos (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
To Gihan Diab(the Mother) whose heart is broken, but who God has given the strength to be strong in Faith, which is the key to accetping a loss of such a beautiful person.
To the Father, and all the family, may God give you all the strength to accept, and carry the memory of your beloved son. May he rest in peace
Nadia Obeid (Sydney Australia)
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March 9, 2009
Marc, while reading all the kind words that everyone has written, it is obvious that you have touched the lives of many. You have been brave, walking a path that many cannot endure, fighting for a cause that you believed in. Thank you for your courage. May you rest in peace. May God bless your family (and loved ones) and give them strength to carry on. Your presence on earth has touched the lives of many, forever. I am a distant relative, and feel sad that I did not know you. Be at peace with God.
Marcelle Diab Caruana (Barrie, Ontario)
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March 9, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
paul lalande (orleans, ON)
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March 9, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Pierre ELIAS (Montreal,Canada)
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March 9, 2009
Dear Diab family,
I'd like to express my deepest condolences for your loss. The majority of Canadians are unaware of how dangerous the situation in Afghanistan is. Your Marc put himself in harm's way to protect some of the world's most unfortunate. For that, he deserves our gratitude and remembrance.
Derek Lipman (Peterborough, ON)
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March 9, 2009
God rest your soul in peace and may he comfort and bless your family!
Graham Sproule (Edmonton, AB)
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March 9, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.we just lost a young man 29 years old,he was in the buffalo plane crash .he also left lebanon in 2000.how sad it is to lose two young men in less than a month.sad sad.my heart and prayers are with you and your family.
choaa abou rashed
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March 9, 2009
May his soul rest in peace, like all the hero's those who pass the way so we can live free. Our group Canadians for Lebanon as we give respect to honor you we pray to the Lord to give your family and friends the strength and patients.
Dr. Phil Maalouf (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Marc,
It was an honor to have known you. You always had a smile on your face and a positive outlook on life. You are a true hero. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends.
May you rest in peace.
-Dimitra - Ottawa
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March 9, 2009
To the family, friends & colleagues of Trooper Marc Diab:
May the wonderful memories you have of your beloved Marc sustain you as you travel this journey of grief and sadness. Know you are not alone and are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
Trooper Diab, you are a hero and will always be remembered. Thank you for your service.
Sherry Clark
Mother, Pte Joel Vincent Wiebe
KIA 20 June 2007
Sherry Clark (Edmonton, AB)
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March 9, 2009
TAPS & God bless you.
Gary Miller (West Palm Beach, FL)
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March 9, 2009
My son called today, he was serving with your son, his heart crys for his fallen comrad, as mine does, To all who Love Marc, you are in my prayers, may the Lord give you strength and comfort. Rest in the arms of your precious Savior, Marc
Heather Charlebois (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories that you cherish of your son and loved one give you strength in the following days. Your son was a brave man who did his country proud. R.I.P Marc Diab.
M. Milbury (Digby Co., NS)
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March 9, 2009
Holy Mass was offered tonight in Mississauga for the repose of the soul of Marc Diab, and for the consolation of his family. Requiem eternam in pace.
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March 9, 2009
To the Diab Family.
What a wonderful young man and soldier the Canadian Military had the privilege to encompass and invest its time and resources in. Marc not only were you a Trooper by rank, you exemplified by all definitions the attributes of what a real trooper represents. Having read that you grew up in a war-torn region in Lebannon, you volunteered your services to the Canadian Military, Canada and the world to protect, guard and love other fellow human beings above and beyond all measures. Your family and relatives have lost the presents of an extraordinary man in the physical form; however, I pray they will walk tall with great Honor and Pride.
R.I.P. Trooper Marc Diab.
God Bless and thank you for helping make the world a better place for all mankind.
Brian Devereaux (Warrant Officer, CFB Petawawa) (Pembroke, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Marc, you stood tall like the cedars of Lebanon.
On behalf of the Haddad families in Toronto, Windsor, Edmonton and Victoria, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Marc's loved ones. The Lebanese Canadian community mourns with you.
Walid Georges Haddad (Victoria, BC)
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March 9, 2009
Marc Diab ... what can i say you were and always will be that amazing guy that touched the lives of everyone you knew. You constantly made sure that everyone was smiling and never had a frown on their face. You will truly be missed and loved forever I know that you are now an angel and safe in heaven in the hands of God. God bless you i will miss you and your memory will always live in all of our hearts. You your Family and Mary will be in my prayers.
Laura Jakji (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
“It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” Norman Schwarzkopf.
rest in peace.
Martin Lynch (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
my condolences to the family and loved ones of marc. you were the sweetest person with the biggest heart! although i haven't seen you in years it feels like just yesterday we were all hanging out at starbucks! RIP MARC .........you'll be missed
shannon fernandes (etobicoke, ON)
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March 9, 2009
The bitterness of the loss had etched in the soul of the Canadian Nation an indelible awesome image of a fondly missed brave hero Marc Diab.
He delivered the ultimate sacrifice while serving with his comrades of the Royal Canadian Dragoons in the noble mission of refurbishing and rebuilding Afghanistan.
Even though the overwhelming sympathy, condolences and eulogies expressed by so many empathic people do not bring back to real life the precious Mark, still it helps alleviate the pain.
I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family, the RCD and all Canadians.
I wish the four injured soldiers who survive the explosion a speedy recovery and all soldiers committed to this task an expedited and successful completion of their mission.
May Mark’s soul rest in heavenly peace.
Hamid Aouad
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March 9, 2009
you take my place in afghanistan....
i told you good luck, it was the last time i see you!!
i feel so sorry! :(
Pierre Boulianne (québec, QC)
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March 9, 2009
deepest condolences and prayers, RIP soldier of freedom!
ali jaafar (sydney)
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March 9, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers,I didn't know Marc well but I know how brave he was, I know how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.My condolences to the Diab family, Jessica and Mary words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss.
Valerie Dickson (Sudbury, ON)
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March 9, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to the Diab family, Mary and Marc's friends.
May the peace which comes from the memories of love and times shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Within my prayers
Judith Tompkins (Brampton, ON)
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March 9, 2009
you have given the ultimate sacrifice for your country
god bless you and my prayers to your family
kosta lambros (boston, MA)
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March 9, 2009
My thoughts go out to Marc's family, and I sincerely and respectfully thank Marc for his service and sacrifice in this international fight against barbarism.
Our victories will always be bittersweet as we suffer the loss of our countrymen and women, but our victories will also always be guaranteed so long as we have fighting men like Marc prepared to risk all in defense of what is right and good.
Martin Gauvreau (Sudbury, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Dear Family of Marc Diab
I want to express my sympathies at this sad time of loss.
Linda and Joey Fellober (Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, ON)
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March 9, 2009
"Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his Friends. St. John 15:13
Hugh Message (Langley, BC)
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March 9, 2009
my prayers go out to the family of this young soldier,i to have a grandaughter same age in afghastian; all we can do is pray for the safety of our troops
maggie white (hamilton, ON)
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March 9, 2009
RIP Marc. There is nothing like giving your life for your country. I am in tears. Canada is worth fighting for. I came to this country 15 years ago and my love grows every day.
Raja Kadri (Montreal, QC)
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March 9, 2009
My son came home today to say that Marc had attended his high school, St. Joseph Secondary, and that they had announced his passing. We are saddened by this brave, young man's death. Please accept my family's condolences to his family and friends. Thank-you for your service Marc.
David Newbury (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Yet another soldier has fallen and not sure how many will follow.
But, one thing is for sure, you will remain in our hearts for sure.
God bless you and your family!
S Ahmed (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
My condolances go out to the family and friends of Trooper Marc Diab .RCD Pet.This is a hard time for your family and all your friends , and my heart goes out to all of you , and Marc will never be forgotten , rest easy . and may you all rest in peace.
4 Trooper Brian Good Jan. 7 2009 , RCD Petawawa
Stephen Good
Stephen Good (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
I didn't know Marc or any of the fallen soldiers. However, I hope that you, Marc's family, know that ordinary Canadian citizens like me are acutely aware of the supreme sacrifice made by soldiers like Marc, although we are a quiet nation when it comes to expressing our innermost feelings. Heaven will be a better place because of the heart of this young man, and earth a safer place.
My sincere condolences.
Helen Darrigan
Oakville, Ontario
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March 9, 2009
Brian -- We're all thinking of you and are so so sorry for the loss of your friend. Stay strong and safe and come home to us soon! You and your friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fran xo
Francine Charbonneau (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Thank you Marc. Words cannot express. You are our Hero.
Matthew Williams (Toronto, ON)
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March 9, 2009
RIP Marky.....Still can't believe this shocking newss!!!! May you rest in peacee !!! No words can express how sad we aree..God help Aunty Jihan, Uncle hani, Jess and Mayaa :((
karen carol sherfan (United Arab Emirates)
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March 9, 2009
I never met him, I didn't know him but his sacrifice will never be forgotten. Words can't describe the admiration and respect I have for Marc and those who serve beside him. My condolences to his friends and family.
Travis Wolfe (Swift Current, SK)
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March 9, 2009
I would like to express my Deepest Sympathies to the family of a brave Young Man, Marc Diab.God Bless the Diab Family, in these very Sorrowful days.Marc, All of Canada Loves You and is deeply Sad about you're Honourble Death.GOD BLESS YOU!
Anthony Guzzi (Winnipeg, MB)
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March 9, 2009
Although it has been a while since I last talked with Marc I have distinct memories of him in highschool. He was a good guy with a big heart and endless jokes. RIP Marc you will be remembered by your friends, family, and the Canadian's touched by your life.
Michael C (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
RIP Marc. Thanks for doing what so many of us are afraid to do and defend our country. My deepest sympathies to the Diab family. You will not be forgotten. Rest in Peace Marc.
Jeremy Johnstone (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Laugh we did...
Unforgettable you are...
Lying here I wait for you..
Zany and crazy is how I will always remember you
Riz S (Markham, ON)
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March 9, 2009
MARC you where larger than life you always made presence for yourself in life and in death RIP my condolences to your family
charles georges haddad (palisades park, NJ)
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March 9, 2009
My sympathies are with you, your family, and the families of all soldiers caught in this very dangerous conflict. Rest in peace.
Herman Thind (Surrey, BC)
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March 9, 2009
Our heartfelt condolences to your family and your fiance. Canada has lost a great man and you will never be forgotten!
Stewart Family (Sudbury, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Wow man, i just found out and I'm so depressed. We were high school friends, unfortunately, me, along with many others at that time went our separate ways. i haven't heard from you in a while, and just today i get the news from a mutual friend. Your a brave and courageous man and i am proud to call you a friend. I don't remember the last time i cried. I cant say enough. I would have been there side by side if i were as brave as you. You will be remembered. R.I.P old friend.
Jeff Cidade (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Thank you for everything. We are all indebted for your sacrafice. RIP.
chan (waterloo, ON)
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March 9, 2009
The LCCC Extents its Condolences to The Diab Family who lost their Son, The Canadian Soldier Marc in Afghanistan today
March 8/09/The LCCC (Lebanese Canadian Coordinating Council) extents its warmest and deeply felt condolences to the Diab Family, and to all the Ain Ebil Lebanese Community in Canada, Lebanon and Diaspora. We ask Almighty that graciously grant Marc's soul the eternal rest in heaven, and grant his family the needed faith, endurance and patience to be able to cope with their great loss and grief.
Elias Bejjani (Mississauga)
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March 9, 2009
Marc, I can't believe you are gone, you were such an amazing human being. You were the best friend Justin had or will ever have in his lifetime. You will be greatly missed by all.
Love Always Michelle
Michelle Camilleri (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
RIP MARC
Marc Bou-Fadel (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Thank you for embracing the essence of Canada, pride in your country and a willingness to fight for its values.
richard hofer (chelsea, QC)
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March 9, 2009
Nothing I can say except that my family's sympathy is with you and with all the troops and their families.
God bless
The Taylors
Craig Taylor (Ottawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
My prayers to you and for your family.
Thank you and God bless.
David Brown (Bowmanville, ON)
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March 9, 2009
God rest your soul
karla ghannoum (ajax, ON)
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March 9, 2009
God bless your son & family.
Our condolences.
Raymond Stickel (Red Deer, AB.)
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March 9, 2009
marcooooooo :( R.I.P Buddy.....u were such an awesome brother...u always thought of me...nd i always thiought of u...nd i understand u were tryna look out for me...nd i appreciate that....kno that i LOVE u bro...nd be safe up there...i kno ur in a better place...nd its NEVER goodbye...its seee u later my hero...my bestfriend...my Brother.
Tony Junior Barmaky (Ajax, ON)
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March 9, 2009
You are a young brave man and a hero.
We are very proud of you .
You will always be remembered in our hearts and in our prayers.
On behalf of my family, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Marc's family and loved ones.
Rest in peace Marc.
Andre Iskandar (Etobicoke, ON)
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March 9, 2009
We understand the pain of the loss of a beloved one in the battle field and can relate it to the Martyrdom of Marc. The words "When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today" that I heard as a young child in memory of brave soldiers fighting terrorists echos again today.
Lest you forget, the world is a better place because of heros like Marc and we promise his sacrifice will not go in vain.
Abi and Vijay Sappani (Unionville, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Rest in Peace Marc.
Youssef Aboul-Naja (Jeddah)
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March 9, 2009
RIP Marc. You're a hero and an example to all first generation Arab Canadians.
Omar Soliman (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Marc, the honour and bravery that you have shown your family and your country will never be forgotten. A nation is grateful to you.
T. Saliba (Mississauga, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Another great loss for Canada. I was there last year and my husband is there now with the POMLT. Everyday I pray. Im so sorry for the loss of your son. He was a proud Canadian and you should be proud parents.
Debbie Levesque (Petawawa, ON)
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March 9, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. At any moment of any day, my family could be receiving the same horrifying news, so please know that although we don't know each other, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your young man is a hero and he will never be forgotten.
Kathier Sears (Halifax, NS)
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March 9, 2009
Hey my name is Rakan Diab marc was a distant relative and a friend of mine i would just to express my deep grief towards this loss marc was a brave soldier and now a soldier in heaven
Rakan Diab (beirut)
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March 9, 2009
Marc I have the most precious memories of you as the most intelligent, sensitive young man that I have ever met - You and your mum were 2 of only three people in total that I could speak English to during my first trip to Lebanon-You used to translate hurriedly the jokes that everyone else was laughing about and your keyboard talent was second to none- I hurt so very much for your loving mum and dad, Maya,Jessica and Mary. Pray, give them strength darling Marc to cope with your absence. Forever in My memory you beautiful boy RIP
Jackie Andraos (Sydney)
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March 9, 2009
Marco we are so proud of you, God rest your soul in heavenly peace.
Shereen Hasrouny younes
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March 9, 2009
May you rest in peace secure in the knowledge you were making a difference in this world. Your country will forever hold you in it's heart.
Ron and Marion Parton (Langley, BC)
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March 9, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Geoerge & Tamara Matar (Kuwait)
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March 9, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Diab family and to all who knew Marc.
Rest in peace soldier!
Moussa Tabcharani (Toronto, ON)
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March 9, 2009
your bright smile is forever planted in my mind, we already all miss you, i know your looking over all of us, and i promise to look over your Mary for you, i love you like a brother...
R.I.P Marc
Yara Haddad (brampton, ON)
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March 9, 2009
We will miss you Marc, we know you will be present with us always in our hearts and we will all continue our involvement in the church on your behalf. You will be missed.
Much love
Roy Moufawad (Torotno, ON)
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March 9, 2009
My families hearts and prayers are with you and yours in this time of sadness. May God welcome him home with open arms!
Paul Huddleston (London, ON)
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March 9, 2009
Marc, it was always great to see you and the rest of the guys back up in KAF. Sorry to see you go, but God Bless you. You will be deeply missed.
Adam LaPorte (Petawawa, ON)
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March 8, 2009
I met Marc briefly in Petawawa while doing his pre-deployment dental check-up. He stands out from the hundreds of check-ups I saw as being very polite, friendly, and enjoyable to talk to. My condolences to his family and to his unit.
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March 8, 2009
Marc,
It was an honor to have known you. You always had a smile on your face and a positive outlook on life. You are a true hero. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends.
May you rest in peace.
-D.A. Ottawa
(Ottawa)
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March 8, 2009
Marc,
You are gone too early, too young,
Sleep gently into the night-
In our prayers-
Susan & Denis Mcculla (Toronto, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Rest in Peace, Marc.
As a parent who has also lost a son my heart goes out to the family of this brave young man.
Jack Power (Bond Head, ON)
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March 8, 2009
I met Marc briefly in Petawawa while doing his pre-deployment dental check-up. He stands out from the hundreds of check-ups I saw as being very polite, friendly, and enjoyable to talk to. My condolences to his family and to his unit.
Amir Mahmood (CFB Comox, BC)
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March 8, 2009
To the Diab Family, friends & members of the RCD. My heart felt condolences in this time of terrible loss. RIP & hopes for a quick recovery to your brothers in arms.
A former Dragoon
Brent Lingley (Cobden, ON)
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March 8, 2009
I had the opportunity to meet Marc while I was in Pet on TD. As another family mbr of a fallen soldier, I know the pain and sorrow that you must be feeling right now. My brother was KIA 7 Sept 08 Sgt Shipway. May you cherish your fond memories, as it will help give you strength and courage to face each day without him. RIP Marc.
Samantha (Shipway)Beausoleil (Comox, BC)
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March 8, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
William Chan (Vancouver, BC)
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March 8, 2009
Marc, you now join an exclusive club for hero's only, bless you and those nearest you
Gord and Carol Chisholm (Cranbrook, BC)
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March 8, 2009
My heart goes out to Marc's mom and his girlfriend Mary as a military wife I feel your pain I am so sorry
Nancy burton (Trenton, ON)
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March 8, 2009
This brave young hero gave his life to make a better world.
Larry Hess (Grand Bend, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Dear Hani, Jihan, Jessica and Maya,
Words can't describe how shocked and sad we feel for your loss.
From miles away we are sending you this warm message to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Elias and Carole ATME
Carole ATME (Brisbane,Australia)
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March 8, 2009
We love you buddy. We're gonna miss you very much.
Amir Ammar (Mississauga, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Please accept the condolences from our family. We truly feel for you at the loss of this fine young brave man.
Andrew Mulkani (North Vancouver, BC)
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March 8, 2009
Marc's positivity and enthusiasm towards life will always be remembered. He was a true hero, he loved life, and he brought joy to those he was with. Marc will always be remembered as a great man. We will miss you.
Marwan Farah (Ottawa, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Marc.
I can’t remove from my mind the image of your shining face on that donkey in your hometown Ainebel.
I don’t know what to say to your family.
Mark I always considered you as a brother, a friend, the star of the gazel’s “patrouille” and the entire scout’s group of ainebel.
Why?
The answer is easy.
You always wanted to be a leader.
… Mark, you are now a hero.
We will miss you.
Ainebel will miss you; “karm el deir” will miss you.
R.I.P
Jean Atme
PAris
Atme Jean (Paris / France)
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March 8, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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March 8, 2009
May your soul rest in peace
clara tilbury (Okanagan Falls, BC)

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March 8, 2009
On behalf of my family I would like to express our deepest condolences to Marc's loved ones. A grateful nation mourns with you.
Alan MacLeod (Stratford, PEI)
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March 8, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Georgina Diab (Sydney)
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March 8, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could just bring everyone home.
Robert Nicholas (Victoria, BC)
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March 8, 2009
Our deepest condolences to Marc's family & love ones. He is truly a hero for the sacrifice he's made for us, the Afghan people and world peace.
He is in our prayers.
God bless.
Chris Fernandez (Mission, BC)
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March 8, 2009
To Marc's mother and girlfriend and from one military family to another, our heartfelt condolences go to you at the loss of one so special to you and Canada. We have all lost another hero.
We are so proud of all our soldiers and their families.
God speed and God bless.
Shelagh Clegg (Delta, BC)
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March 8, 2009
I did not know you Marc. You gave your life representing your country; my country, while protecting another nation. You did what you thought was the right thing to do. You bravely followed your conscience sir, I say this with utmost respect. You are a credit to our country,and a credit to quality upbringing. I can only imagine the pride, and the sorrow, your family feels at this time. My heart goes out to them. I will not forget your face. In the end, good people like you will aid the world, to prevail in a better light in times of conflict.
Robert Cameron (Victoria, BC)
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March 8, 2009
you are so young! we will missed you,
hope you will go to a place that will never have war
may cheng (vancouver)
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March 8, 2009
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Barbara Hillier (Victoria, BC)
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March 8, 2009
Marc,
Thank-you for going out at such a young age and fighting for our country. R.I.P <3
Katie lksjlk (Uxbridge, ON)
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March 8, 2009
My heart is with this man and his family.
To give ones life in the pursuit of freedom in a country far from ones home is a great gift.
Clive McKnight (Kamloops, BC)
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March 8, 2009
There are no words to express our sadness over the loss of another selfless Canadian hero. Our warmest condolences to the Diab family. We currently have two sons in Afghanistan and cannot fathom the loss that the Diab family is experiencing. Please remember that he is in our thoughts and prayers and will remain there.
leo & jennifer Innocente (Windsor, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Marc, your a real hero, God bless you and your family.
Ron Black (Guelph, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Allah Yirhamo. God rest his soul in peace.
unknown unknown (mississauga, ON)
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March 8, 2009
My sincere sympathies to the family.
Stratis Touloumis (St. Anthony, NF)
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March 8, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
I have never met Marc but feel sad about evey young life lost.
Sandra Pettigrew (Winnipeg, MB)
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March 8, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ziad Filfili (toronto, ON)
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March 8, 2009
Marc, thank you for serving our country with such bravery and honour. You were obviously well-loved and I hope your friends and family will take comfort in knowing that you did a great service to Canada and you will always be in our hearts.
Ella Ho (Burnaby, BC)
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March 8, 2009
rest in peace Marc
Monica Ishak (ON)
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March 8, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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