View larger image Canadian Gunner Jonathan Dion, 27, is shown in this undated handout photo. (HO-Department of National Defence / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Gunner Dion bid tearful farewell at ramp ceremony

Updated Mon. Dec. 31 2007 8:46 AM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

The body of Gunner Jonathan Dion is on its way home from Afghanistan after friends and colleagues bid farewell at an early morning ramp ceremony.

Pall bearers, several overcome with grief, carried the casket containing the 27-year-old from Val-d'Or, Que., onto a plane at Kandahar Airfield this morning.

Dion was killed and four other soldiers were injured Sunday morning when their armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device 20 kilometres west of Kandahar City.

Two of the injured were wheeled off ambulances in wheelchairs to the side of the plane to attend the ramp ceremony. Nurses helped them to their feet and they stood at attention as Dion was carried past.

At the time of the blast, the soldiers were returning to Kandahar Airfield to attend New Years Eve celebrations.

"That sadness was not lost on anyone today during this tragic ramp ceremony," CTV's Murray Oliver told Canada AM from Afghanistan.

"There's a real sorrow across the base today, a sorrow that shouldn't have been there. This is supposed to be a time of celebration."

Dion was a member of the 5th Regiment d'Artillerie legere du Canada, which is based in Valcartier, Que.

Unit members said Dion was a warm and friendly soldier who was respected for his dedication and hard work.

Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche, Canada's top military commander in Afghanistan, said the troops were saddened by the loss of their brother.

"We will carry on with our mission of helping the people of Afghanistan find peace and stability," Laroche said.

Dion is the 74th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. A Canadian diplomat has also been killed.

The four injured soldiers are expected to make full recoveries.

Canada has 2,500 soldiers operating in southern Afghanistan as part of the NATO mission.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the sacrifice made by Dion while working to make life better for others will not be forgotten.

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