The remains of three Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan have landed in Canada.
Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Chief of Defence Staff Walter Natynczyk joined the families of the fallen soldiers to pay their respects at CFB Trenton in Ontario.
Pte. Michael Bruce Freeman, of Peterborough, Ont., died last Friday when the armoured vehicle he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device during a routine security patrol in the Zhari District of Kandahar Province.
Warrant Officer Gaetan Joseph Roberge and Sgt. Gregory John Kruse were killed Saturday after a bomb exploded while the two soldiers were on security patrol about 24 kilometres west of Kandahar city.
Freeman's parents released a statement telling Canadians how much pride their son took in serving his country.
"He told us not to worry. He was not afraid of what might happen and he loved what he was doing," Mark and Gail Freeman said in the statement.
Retired Col. Mike Capstick told CTV Newsnet that it's important for Canadian leaders to stand with the families as the soldiers are returned home.
"To interact with the families that are dealing with these tragedies is very important. It keeps it real for Canadians and political leaders," he said.
Nine Canadian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan this month alone, which has put the total death toll for Canadians over the symbolic "100" deaths mark since the mission began.
"Whether it's one or 100. The pain feels the same," said Capstick.
"It's like a kick in the stomach from the soldiers' point of view."
The caskets holding the soldiers' bodies will be driven along the Highway of Heroes into Toronto later this afternoon. Police have asked those who want to watch the motorcade go by on Highway 401 to completely pull off the road via an exit, park away from the highway and watch from an overpass.
Police have said that "cars parked on the shoulder and people standing on the side of the road are a hazard to traffic on the road."
