Watch above: Montrealers gathered in Dorchester Square to honour fallen soldiers Patrice Vincent and Nathan Cirillo. Global’s Billy Shields has more.
MONTREAL – About 100 people gathered Saturday to pay their respects to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
“We’re all Canadians,” said Camille Couineau, a 15-year-old cadet from Westmount.
READ MORE: Vigils held across Canada commemorate two slain soldiers
As she handed out Canadian flags at Dorchester Square, people strode up the stairs to the square’s war memorial to leave flowers.
“It’s very important for anyone, any Canadian, who gives their life to our country,” said Couineau.
“We should all remember them.”
READ MORE: Fallen Quebec soldier’s family says they are lost without him
Both men were killed in separate attacks, the first in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu on Monday, the second at the War Memorial in Ottawa on Wednesday.
Authorities say both killers – Martin Couture-Rouleau and Michael Zehaf-Bibeau – acted individually, but are investigating what caused them to act.
Investigators are trying to ascertain what links they may have to radical ideologies.
Recently, a group of Montreal area imams issued a statement condemning the attacks, a sentiment echoed at the vigil.
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“I am Muslim, and believe me, the Muslim community is just as disturbed and upset by this,” said Nausrat Mirza, a retired teacher in attendance.
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Canadians are experiencing a cathartic process of soul-searching in the wake of the attacks.
Some are concerned that preventative measures could affect the country’s openness.
“It shouldn’t change, it should stay the same,” said Pierre Roy, a Kirkland resident.
“We’re a nice free country and everybody comes to Canada and there’s a reason for that.”
A guard from the Black Watch stood silent during the vigil wearing a kilt.
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Participants were encouraged to sign a book devoted to the memory of each man.
“It’s a lot more than paying homage to two fallen soldiers,” said Michael Shafter, one of the attendees.
“We’ve got to put on the table suggestions to make sure this does not happen again.”
Participants also planted Canadian flags along the flower beds at the vigil.
One person left behind a message that read “So sad your sacrifice, you will not be forgotten.”
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