Hamilton Soldier to Be Remembered at Ceremony

A Hamilton soldier who passed away in Latvia last week will be remembered during a repatriation ceremony on Tuesday.

Sebastian Halmagean, 24, died near the Latvian capital of Riga on Thursday, as reported by Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND). The details surrounding his death are currently under investigation.

In an announcement on Monday afternoon, the DND stated that the repatriation ceremony will take place at 8 Wing/Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton, situated in Quinte West in southern Ontario.

The DND indicated that the aircraft carrying Halmagean’s body is expected to land at 2:30 p. m. ET, with the ceremony set to begin between 2:45 and 3 p. m.

“Following the ceremony, the motorcade will proceed to Toronto via the Highway of Heroes,” said the DND.

He ‘loved his country and our military’

Ned Kuruc, Conservative MP for Stoney Creek, paid tribute to Halmagean in the House of Commons on Monday.

“I solemnly rise in the House today to offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Canadian Armed Forces Gunner Sebastian Halmagean or as we knew him, Sebi,” Kuruc said as he fought back tears.

He mentioned that Halmagean was a Stoney Creek resident and someone he had been fortunate enough to know since he was five years old.

“Sebastian long felt pride and a calling for service to his country and was an outspoken advocate for more young Canadians to join the Armed Forces. Sebi loved his country and our military. He was a wonderful son, friend and loyal soldier.

“Sebi you are a Canadian hero, may God rest your soul,” Kuruc said while urging colleagues to stand up in support of his family.

Dad’s memories of his son

Halmagean, originally from Hamilton, served as a gunner based at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, N. B.

Alin Halmagean shared with CBC Hamilton on Sunday that his son was fulfilling his childhood dream during his first deployment in Latvia before he died.

“My son was immensely proud to be a part of the Canadian Armed Forces [CAF],” he stated in an email.

“He cherished everyone involved in the CAF and all that came with being a soldier.”

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