Soldier's bravery met with local silence

Oct 17, 2007

Being awarded a prestigious military honour, one granted extremely rarely, is a momentous event.

Private Jess Larochelle is the recipient of such honour.

As we went about our daily lives on Oct. 14, 2006, Larochelle, serving with the Canadian military in Pashmul, Afghanistan, like all of our forces serving in volatile locations, was experiencing dangers that few of us here at home have.

The young soldier was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by an enemy rocket. Alone, severely injured, exposed and under fire, Larochelle aggressively fought back, defending his company’s position.

Two other soldiers met their deaths in that fight and three were injured — a grave and tragic loss of life and a cause of suffering.

But Larochelle’s actions meant the company was able to defend their positions and were eventually successful in forcing back the enemy attack.

He went above and beyond his call of duty, in a situation where others might have ducked for cover. Larochelle undoubtedly prevented the military, Canada, and countless family members and friends the pain associated with further death and injury. For this, he was awarded the Star of Military Valour.

It’s an honour that’s only been granted four times, and is second in prestige only to the Victoria Cross.

It’s awarded for distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy.
Larochelle exhibited just that.

At the presentation ceremony, Governor General Michaelle Jean honoured Larochelle and other soldiers for putting their lives in danger to pursue peace and stability, to defend freedom and justice, to protect the basic rights of others and to save others’ lives.

Larochelle’s efforts in this regard have been widely celebrated.

His actions have been noted on the national stage through the granting of this honour.

His story has been heard on the airwaves of radio, read on the pages of national newspapers and viewed on television broadcasts.

Larochelle is a national hero.

For us here, he’s also a local hero.

And while local media have run various accounts of Larochelle’s story, that’s where local celebration of this unimaginably brave and special young soldier have stopped.

While all the bells and whistles have been pulled out for a ceremony far away in the nation’s capital, there’s been only silence from local communities.

Without the coverage provided by local media, few may know Larochelle’s story.
While the media has some responsibility to inform the public of such events, it does not hold it alone.

Larochelle’s efforts at war and his newly-bestowed military honour deserve more than a few brief mentions.

As for who should spur such action, there’s a natural fit.

Our legions started as champions for the veterans.

The legion encourages all Canadians not to forget the sacrifices our troops have made. It actively promotes keeping the memory of wartimes alive. It offers all sorts of support for our veterans.

But the lineage of Canada’s veterans does not stop at