May 24, 2010
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the death of a Canadian soldier:
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Trooper Larry John Zuidema Rudd of the Royal Canadian Dragoons who died while conducting operations in Afghanistan. Trooper Rudd was killed by an improvised explosive device during a routine security operation.
Canada is in Afghanistan at the request of the democratically elected Afghan government and as part of an UN-mandated, NATO-led mission. Canada’s government continues to show international leadership, to help the Afghan nation achieve peace and stability in order to rebuild their country towards a safe future for its people.
This is a tragic loss for the Canadian Forces and all of Canada. Canadians will be forever grateful for Trooper Rudd’s sacrifice. He will not be forgotten.”
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