Soldiers send love for Canada across the ocean

Canadian troops serving in Latvia with NATO are sharing their love of our country just ahead of Canada 150.

The 450 soldiers are overseas as part of Operation Reassurance, to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.

Soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group out of Edmonton took some time to send messages home to celebrate our country’s milestone birthday.

“To me Canada Day is celebrating the country that’s given me everything, from good jobs, good friends, good family,” Private Austin Hebert said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "To me Canada Day is celebrating the country that's given me everything, from good jobs, good friends, good family," Private Austin Hebert said.

Sergeant Stuart Dempsey explained how the troops will be celebrating on July 1.

“Here in Latvia, on Canada Day, we’ll be playing some ball hockey, having a barbeque and playing horseshoes,” he said.

READ MORE: HMCS Charlottetown departs Halifax to join Operation REASSURANCE

The troops left at various times this June and are playing a leadership role with three other countries, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.

Those countries are working in Estonia, Lithuania and Poland, respectively.

“I miss my family, my wife, my friends but I think we’re doing some good here so it’ll be worth it in the end,” said Master Corporal Michael Stapleford.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I miss my family, my wife, my friends but I think we're doing some good here so it'll be worth it in the end," said Master Corporal Michael Stapleford.