Many viewed service at First Ontario

At the request of Corporal Cirillo’s family, attendance at Christ’s Church Cathedral was restricted to invited guests only. But well over a thousand people — many service men and women, as well as members of the public — watched a video feed of the service at First Ontario Centre.

People across the country have been mourning the tragic loss of Corporal Nathan Cirillo. And for those who were in attendance here today, the chance to grieve as a community, was a fitting way to pay their last respects.

Members of military units and police services broke away from the funeral procession at York and Bay, making their way into First Ontario Centre.

A chance for men and women in uniform to mourn a fallen soldier.

And for members of the public to grieve the loss of a fellow community member.

I thought it was really, really important to do as a citizen of Canada and as a citizen of Hamilton because of soldiers and hero’s like Nathan we can live freely.”

“He was a great man we feel sorry for family, his son, for his parents.”

“My husband served in the reserves just where Nathan Cirillo did and it’s important to show our community that we are together.”

With flowers, flags and poppies, the public has displayed its grief and support for the Cirillo family over the past week. Many here, say it was important to have a place to come together as he is laid to rest.

What does it mean to you to see the community come together like this?: “I think it’s powerful and I think it sends the right message.”

“Everything from being here today, to the condolences books, to the picture on the side of City Hall, it’s been wonderful community.”

“I was also part of the 23 medical unit from 1989 to 1994 so there’s friends that are actually marching today. So it’s heartfelt and it means a lot.”

And as the bagpipes escorted Corporal Cirillo from the church with ‘Amazing Grace’, officers quietly marched out of First Ontario to meet up with their fallen comrade for the last time.