Flags to Lower in Honour of Fallen Soldiers

Deputy Premier Ron Russell is urging all Nova Scotia businesses, schools, municipal governments and other not-for-profit organizations to lower their flags to half-mast in honour of the Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

The four soldiers, including Nova Scotians Pte. Nathan Smith and Pte. Richard Green, were Canada's first wartime casualties since the Korean conflict in the early 1950s.

"For years, lowering a flag has served as a symbol of honour and remembrance," said Mr. Russell. "I know all Nova Scotians will join our government in lowering their flags in recognition of these young men who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is one way we can all pay our respects to these men and their loved ones."

All flags on provincial government buildings were lowered to half-mast on Thursday, April 19. Members of the Nova Scotia legislature also held a moment of silence to pay respect to the fallen soldiers and unanimously adopted several resolutions expressing deepest sympathy to the soldiers' families.