Welcoming From the Children

Heroes Remember

Welcoming From the Children

Transcript

The happiness and the welcoming children used to give us when we brought the aid for them because they were in areas where they weren’t able to leave their homes because it wasn’t safe, you know. They were bombing them day and night and they couldn’t leave their areas. When we got to their areas, you know, to deliver food for them and medicine they would come out and they would be waving at us and smiling so I think, you know, we live in a great country where our children have freedom and they have the liberty to be able to be safe and when I compare it to the children that were over there, I’m so happy that our children live in the peaceful country and probably the best country in the world because being back over there and seeing the way, not only children but the rest of the people live, it’s an awakening. What I would say to the people in the schools or children, grown ups, anybody, is to remind them that we live in a great, great, country where we shouldn’t take freedom for granted, of course, and I hope we never have to go through the experiences the citizens of different war zones in the world go through. I feel lucky and privileged that my daughter has the life she has.

Description

Mr. Bojalil expresses the appreciation the children of Sarajevo had for the soldier’s presence.

Alfredo “Alphie” Bojalil

Mr. Alphie Bojalil was born in Mexico City, August 9, 1969. At the young age of 15, Mr. Bojalil had the keen desire to join the military as the discipline and adventure for travel intrigued his interest. In 1988-89, Mr. Bojalil went to Battle School in Petawawa, Ontario and joined the Royal Canadian Regiment. After his training, Mr. Bojalil was posted to Germany where he remained for 2 years. A big part of Mr. Bojalil’s military career involved his participation as a peacekeeper with 3 RCR, November Company where he and a contingent of soldiers travelled to the besiege city of Sarajevo in 1992 with their main task to reopen the airport and provide humanitarian aid and supply to the people of this city. For this, Mr. Bojalil gained recognition and was awarded the Commander-In-Chief Commendation for his participation in this effort. After discharge from the military, Mr. Bojalil became a strong advocate for his fellow soldiers involved in this mission and has tirelessly worked to bring them together for a reunion in 2009. Mr. Bojalil remains a strong voice for his service and holds great pride for his unit’s accomplishments. Mr. Bojalil married and has one daughter.

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